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.c47.5021

v7.c47.5021

The chapter opens with an enumeration of phalli and ascetics as well as architects whose images are to be cast in wax (lines 2–19). The architects, called sthapati and sthāpaka, make the can for preparing the wax therein, but the actual preparation is not explicitly described. All kinds of images, temporary or permanent, stationary or movable, have to be cast in wax. The process seems to be this (lines 20–44) : some part of the image is covered with a thin copper-leaf, and the wax is laid on two or three aṅgulas deep. Mulikā(?) is spread above the part covered with wax. The idol is heated after it has been besmeared with wax. If the master likes, the process of smearing may be done with melted iron too. The half of the image, not covered with earth, is washed in water. This process is repeated several times. If any of the minor limbs be lost through this process, the image should be furnished with it again after having been heated. But if the head or the middle of the body be damaged, the whole image should be changed. If the master does not like the image, it should be recast.