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.c47.5465

v7.c47.5465

Various classifications of phalli have been given (line 2 f.). They are classified firstly into six heads : (1) Śaiva, Pāśupata, Kāla-mukha, Mahāvrata, Vāma and Bhairava ; secondly, into four : (2) Sama-karṇa, Vardhamāna, Śivāṅka and Svastika ; thirdly, into four with regard to height : (3) Jāti, Chhanda, Vikalpa and Ābhasa ; fourthly, into three types with regard to breadth or width: (4) Nāgara, Drāviḍa and Vesara (line 99) ; fifthly, into five : (5) Svayambhu or Udbhūta, Daivika, Mānusha, Gāṇava and Ārsha ; sixthly, into two : (6) Āthmārtha (for one's personal worship), and Parārtha (for others, for public worship) ; again into two : (7) Eka (single) liṅga, and Bahu-liṅga (phalli in group) ; then into many kinds : such as (8) Vajra, Svarṇa, etc., with regard to materials of which they are made ; and lastly into two : (9) Kshaṇika (for temporary worship) as contrasted with the (10) Sthira or permanent liṅga. All these kinds of phalli are described at great length. Various alternative measures are prescribed for each of them (lines 13-376). In some cases as many as 36 alternative heights have been suggested. But in most cases their number is 9. The 9 alternative heights of a phallus are determined in some cases by a comparison to different parts of the body of the worshipper (yajamāna). The height of the phallus may reach the worshipper's sex-organ, navel, heart, breast, arm-joint, chin, nose, eye, or be equal to his full height. Another comparative measurement is given with regard to the Garbha-gṛiha or adytum. Various absolute measures are also given in some cases. The set of the nine alternatives prescribed for height may begin with one cubit and end with four cubits and a half, the increment being by half a cubit. The breadth or width of the phallus is in like manner discussed at great length.