Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v7.c47.2547

v7.c47.2547

(5) *Bimbamāna* (British Museum, MS. no. 558–592) : Illustration in minute detail of the largest type of the ten-tāla measure (*vv.* 71–72). Description of the plumb-lines and the horizontal measurement of the idol (*vv.* 73–91). The measurement of the idol when it is made in the sitting posture, such as Yogāsana (*vv.* 92-122) and the recumbent posture (*vv.* 123–138). In an appendix are given the rules regarding the objects to be measured in twelve-tāla measures : One (eka) tāla is used for measuring the vandhukā, probably misread for kabandha, a headless trunk, also a class of rākshasa or demon whose ‘head and thighs were forced into the body by Indra and reduced to long arms and a huge mouth in the belly.’ (*See* nos. 5, 6.) Two (dvi) tāla is used for measuring the birds. Three (tri) tāla ,, ,, ,, ,, kinnaras (mythical beings with human body and horse’s head). Four (chaturthaka) tāla is used in measuring bhutas (goblins). Five (pañcha) tāla ,, ,, ,, Gaṇeśa (a mythical deity with human body and elephant’s head). Six (shaṭ) tāla is used for measuring the tiger. Seven (sapta) tāla ,, ,, ,, ,, yakshas (demi-gods). Eight (ashṭa) tāla ,, ,, ,, man (male and female). Nine (nava) tāla ,, ,, ,, dānavas (demons). Ten (daśa) tāla ,, ,, ,, superhuman beings and Buddha.