Chapter 35 - The storeyed mansions (śālā)

1-2. The characteristic features of all kinds of storeyed mansions (śālā) fit for the residence of the gods, the kings, and the (four) castes will be described now.

3-4. They are of six kinds, namely, the Daṇḍaka, the Svastika, the Maulika, the Caturmukha, the Sarvatobhadra, and the Vardhamāna.

5-6. The eleven kinds of width should begin from three cubits and end at twenty-three cubits, the increment being by two cubits.

7-9. The eleven kinds of width of the single row (Daṇḍaka) mansion (ekaśālā) are said to begin, in even number of cubits, from four cubits and end at twenty-four dibits, the increment being by two cubits.

10-14. The seven kinds of breadth should begin from seven cubits and end at nineteen cubits, the increment being by two cubits; (again) the best architect should begin from eight cubits and end at twenty cubits, the increment being by two cubits: these are the seven kinds of breadth of the Svastika and the Maulika (types of mansions).

15-17. The length of the mansions (śālā) of the gods and the ascetics is said to be up to twice the breadth which should be increased by two cubits (each time); the length of the mansions (śālā) of the four castes, namely, the Brahmans and others, should be (also) up to twice the breadth.

18-20. The length of the mansion should be ascertained by commencing with its breadth, or increasing it by one-fourth, one-half, three-fourths, or making it twice, or greater than twice by one-fourth, one-half or three-fourths, or making it three times.

21-25. The height from the plinth (janman) to the apex should be equal to the breadth, or greater by one-fourth, one-half, or three-fourths, or twice the breadth; the first of the five proportions of height (from bottom to top) is known as śāntika, the second pauṣṭika, the third jayada, the fourth dhanada, and the fifth adbhuta.

26. According to other (authorities) the height of all kinds of mansions should be ascertained in proportionate measure (of the component members).

27-28. (Of the five proportions) the height, from the base (pāda, to the top) of the upper storeys, should be less than the height of the lower storeys by one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, and one-tenth (respectively).

29-31. The height of the entablature should be one part and a half, and the upper platform (vedikā) half a part; twice that, (i.e., one part) should be the neck (grīva), and the head (śirat,) twice the height of the neck (i.e., two parts); one-half of the head (mastaka), (i.e., one part), should be the height of the spire (śikhā): thus is described (i.e., distributed) the height.

32-35. The Caturmukha type of mansions belonging to the Gods, the Brahmans, the kings (Kṣatriyas), the Vaiśyas, and the Śūdras, to the ascetics, the hermits, the warriors fighting with the help of the horse, the elephant, and the chariot, and to the Buddhists, the prosessional (Hindu) priests (lit., those performing yāga and homa, etc.),the artists, and the courtesans, should consist of a single row of buildings of two rows (on two sides), or of three rows (on three sides).

36-37. The suitable mansions for the gods, the twice-born, and others as mentioned above, should have one or more storeys and should be furnished with the top-tower (cūli-harmya), etc.

38. Those (mansions) of the gods, the Brahmans, and the kings (i.e., the Kṣatriyas) should be ornamented like palaces (prāsāda).

39. The top-towers (cūli-harmya) should be omitted in case (of mansions) of the Vaiśyas and the Śūdras.

40-42. (All) the mansions should be furnished with a surrounding verandah (or balcony) and with a portico (bhadra) at the back, and a pavilion (maṇḍapa) in the front, and should be decorated with all ornaments: thus should be made (the mansions) of men and the gods.

43-44. The expert (architect) should construct a hall (vāsa) in the centre of the mansions for the gods; the halls (vāsa) should be constructed on the (either) side of the mansions of the twice born and all others.

45. The halls may also be constructed along the length of the mansions and at the bottom of the joint (vaṃśa).

46. In the mansions for the female occupants (lit., the housewives) the halls should be constructed on the left (side).

47. The Daṇḍaka class of mansions of all castes should be constructed on all the four sides.^[1]

48. The Daṇḍaka class of mansions should be laid out in the east, the south, or the west.

49. Such (Daṇḍaka mansions) should be suitable to the ministers; nor is the northern entrance suitable for the kings^[2].

50. When the mansions in the south and the west are joined up it is called the Svastika.

61-53. Mansions in all other sides than that (i.e., the south and the west) should not be joined: that is, in the Svastika mansions, it would be ruinous if the buildings on the east and the south, on the east and the north, or on the west and the north be joined up.

54-55. If the mansions on the east and the south, or on the south and the west, be joined it is called the Maulika.

56-57. It will be all defective if through ignorance the mansions on the three sides ate joined, namely, those on the east and the north, the west and the north, and the east and the south.

58. The Svastika mansions alone are suited to all (classes of) courtesans.

59. The mansions called the Maulika should be built for all the chiefs (adhyakṣa).

60 -61. The (entrance) door should be constructed in the front, and walls (kuḍya) as stated before, in all the mansions of the (first) three classes, namely, the Daṇḍaka, and others (i.e., Svastika, and Maulika).

62. That of which the mansions on the four sides are joined up is called the Caturmukha.

63. The same (mansion) with a corridor (antarāla) in the front is called the Maulika.

64. The same (mansion) with many porticos (bhadras) is called the Sarvatobhadra.

65. That is (called) the Vardhamānaka where the Daṇḍaka (i.e., single row) mansions on the four sides are joined up.

66. The Daṇḍaka is an isolated mansion; it is a synonym for ekaśālā (one row of buildings).

67. The Svastika mansion is plough-shaped, and synonymous with dviśālā (two rows of buildings),

68. The Maulika is winnowing-basket-shaped; it is (called) triśālā (three rows of buildings).

69. The Caturmukha is also called catuḥśālā (four rows of buildings): thus has been laid down by the learned (architects).

70. The Sarvatobhadra is specially called saptaśālā (seven rows of buildings),

71. And of all the Vardhamāna is called the daśaśālā (ten rows of buildings).

72-74. In the single row mansions (ekaśālā) there should be no joint (sandhi), and in the two-row-mansions there should be one joint; in the three-row-mansions there should be two joints; and in the four-row-mansions there should be three joints; in the seven-row-mansions there should be six joints; and in the ten-row mansions there should be many joints,

75. The four-row-mansions ending at the Vardhamāna^[3] should be furnished with all the (twelve) storeys.

76. The (first five classes of) mansions ending at the Sarvatobhadra are meant for the Adhirāja and the Narendra classes of kings^[4].

77. The four classes of mansions commencing with the Daṇḍaka are meant for the Pārṣṇika and the inferior classes of kings.

78. The (three classes of) mansions commencing with the Daṇḍaka and ending at the three-rowed one (i.e., the Maulika) are assigned to the Paṭṭadhara (class of kings).

79. The (two classes of) mansions commencing with the Daṇḍaka and ending at the Svastika are meant for the Maṇḍaleśa and the inferior classes of kings.

80. According to some all types of mansions are fit for the (Cakravartin class of) kings who put on three kinds of crowns (trividha-maulin).^[5]

81. The arrangement of the Daṇḍaka and the other classes of mansions will be now described in order.

82-84. When the mansions are built is the east and the west the hall (ālaya) may be optionally situated extending from the west to the east; and when the mansions are built in the north and the south the (corresponding) halls should be built extending from the north and the south; in other words, those mansions may be built in (all) the four directions.^[6]

85. Of the single row (Daṇḍaka) mansions (built) in the east the (entrance) door should be on the west.

86. Of the Daṇḍaka mansions in the south the entrance) door should be on the north.

87. Of the single row (Daṇḍaka) mansions when built in the west the (entrance) door should be on the east.

88. Of the northern Daṇḍaka mansions the entrance door should be on the south.

89. (In the first type of the Daṇḍaka mansions) the breadth should be one part and the length may be as many parts (as one likes).

90. The verandahs (or balconies) of the (Daṇḍaka) mansion are said to be constructed on some desirable directions.

91. The (main) pillar should be of some desirable height, and it should be connected with the base of the wall (kuḍya).

92. The pillar should be erected in the front, and the wall (kuḍya) on the back.

93. It (this type of the Daṇḍaka mansion) should be decorated with the platforms (vedikā), etc., inside or outside the compound wall (prākāra).

94. Thus is described the Daṇḍaka, furnished with the enclosure (prākāra), etc.

95. (Of the second type of the Daṇḍaka mansion) if the breadth be one part, the length is said to be two parts.

96. At the forehead part (lalāṭa) on the upper portion of the second storey it should look like a broken staff (daṇḍa).

97. This is called the Paṇḍiśālā; it is suitable for all classes of people.

98. The same furnished with a verandah in front is called the Bhindaśālā.

99. (Of the third type of the Daṇḍaka mansion) the breadth should be two parts and the length three parts.

100. This mansion should.be wider at the base; and the verandah in the front should be one part.

101. At the face portion the mansion should have two wings (lit., eyes, netra), and the halls should be made of one part each.

102. Around it (the wing) should be the verandah made of one part, and as before there should be two forehead-towers (above the two wings).

103. The (entrance) door should be opened at the middle (of the front side of the mansion), and it (the mansion) should be singlestoreyed at the front.

104. This is fit for the gods, and is called the Daṇḍakānta.

105. (Of the fourth type) the breadth should he made of two parts and the length of four parts.

106. The verandah should be made of one part in front along the width of the mansion.

107-108. The hall should be made of one by two parts, and it should be built at the base (of the mansion); as an alternative the hall may be built at the bottom of the joint (vaṃśa) as a two part square.

109. The theatre-like courtyard (raṅga) should be made at the forepart of the joint, and in front of it should be the verandah made of one part.

110-113. As an alternative the aforesaid two halls may be built at the middle of the site (i.e., mansion); one (of these) being built towards the inner side and the other towards the outer side; their (entrance) door should be at the middle or left side (of the front); or the (whole length of the mansion) should be divided into two (lit., a half) portion by erecting a wall (kuḍya) at the middle (of the length), and the two (lit., the first and the second) halls should be built on the sides of the wall, and the (entrance) door should be made (as stated before).

114. The rest should be made as said before: this is called the (fourth type of the) Daṇḍaka mansion.

115. This is suitable to all castes, and for all purposes.

116. (Of the fifth type) the breadth should be made of three parts and the length of four parts.

117. The mansion at) the front should be wider, and the length (thereof) should be four parts.

118. The verandah in front should be of one part, and the wall (bhitti) should be constructed all round.

119-120. The theatre-like courtyard of the hall should be made a two part square in front of the base; as an alternative the hall may be made between the top and bottom of the joint (vaṃśa) of one by two parts.

121. The theatre-like courtyard (raṅga) should be constructed in the middle and the wall (bhitti) on the back and the sides.

122. The colonnade should be constructed in the front (right), and the middle columns should be omitted.

123-124. The veraudah should be made of one part all round; thus is described (the fifth type of) the Daṇḍaka mansion; the rest should be made as said before: this (type) is suitable to people of all castes.

125. (Of the sixth type) the breadth should be made of four parts and the length of six parts.

126. The breadth of the (main) hall (śālā) in the middle should be of two parts and the length four parts.

127-128. The hall numbering one or two should be made of one by two parts or two part squares; (in case of two such halls) one should be made between the bottom and top of the joint (vaṃśa), and another at the bottom of the joint.

129. Beyond that (hall) the verandah should be made of one part around.

130-131. Beyond that a wall (kuḍya) or the colonnade should be erected all round; if the wall be erected around, a surrounding verandah should be made of one part.

132. The breadth of the portico (bhadra) should be one part, and that of the projection (nirgama) two parts.

183. The porticos should be constructed on the four sides, and there should be made two foreheads (lalāṭa) as before.

134. The second storey should be furnished with the corner towers (karṇaharmya), etc., and be decorated like a palace (prāsāda).

135. As an alternative the mansion may be decorated with the pinnacle (kūṭa), etc., and the balcony may be dispensed with.

136. The expert (architect) should make the (entrance) door on the left of the middle line (across the length).

137. According to some, the hall (śālā) should be of two part3, and the verandah (or balcony) in front of one part.

138. The halls should be made is some convenient quarter, and the rest should be made as before.

139. This type of the Daṇḍaka is stated to be fit for the gods, the Brahmaus, and the kings (Kṣatriyas).

140. The same without any surrounding verandah is fit for all (other) people.

141. (Of the sixth type) the length should be greater than the former by two parts, and the breadth should be as before.

142. The hall should be made of four parts between the bottom and the top of the joint (vaṃśa).

143. Between those two halls should be constructed the central theatre (madhyaraṅga) with four parts.

144. Thence (extending) the verandah in front should be made of one part, and that on the back of two parts.

145. The rest should be made as before: this is (the sixth type of) the Daṇḍaka fit for all castes.

146. (Of the seventh type) the breadth should be made of five parts, and the length of seven parts.

147-148. The hall (lit., pavilion, maṇḍapa) should be made of five parts in the middle, or of two parts on each of the two sides; and of the remainder the verandah should be made in the front and at the back.

149. Beyond those (verandahs) the (entrance) door should be made of the surrounding part, and the portico (bhadra) of two parts,

150. The pinnacle (kūṭa), the compartment (koṣṭha) and all other members should be ornamented like (chose of) the palace (prāsāda).

151. Thus is described the (seventh type of the) Daṇḍaka, fit for the residence of the gods.

152. (Of the eighth type) the breadth should be made of six parts and the length of eight parts.

153. The theatre-like courtyard (raṅga) in the middle should be constructed of three, four, or two parts.

154. The verandah should be constructed on the back with one or two parts.

155. The verandah in the front should be of one part, and the two halls (vāsa) should be of four parts (each).

156. The hall (vāsa) should be made between the bottom and top of the joint (vaṃśa), and the courtyard (raṅga) in the middle.

157-158. As an alternative, the halls may be built; at its four corners (karṇa) of two parts each, or on the two foreheads (lalāṭa) the hall should be built of three parts.

159. The verandah should be made of one or two parts all round.

160. The expert (architect) should construct the (entrance) door on the left of the middle line (across the length).

161. It may be made of one or more storeys, and should be decorated like the palace (prāsāda).

162. This is said to be the (eighth type of the) Daṇḍaka; it is fit; for all castes.

163. Pavilions (maṇḍapa) should be constructed in front of all types of the Daṇḍaha mansions.

164-165. The breadth of the pavilion built of any other desirable proportion around the central courtyard should be equal to or twice or thrice that (the mansion).

166. The hall (vāsa) in front should be broad, and equal to that the portioo (bhadra) at the back.

167. One-half of that should be the projection (nirgama), and the portico (bhadra) should optionally be made proportionate to the hall (vāsa).

168. Proportionate to the pavilion (maṇḍapa) should be made the portico (bhadra), and its face part should be consolidated with kankar.

169-171. The (whole) length of the Daṇḍaka mansion being divided into nine parts, five parts should be left on the right side of the hall (gṛha), and three parts on the left; between these two the expert (architect) should make a door of one part.

172-173, The (Daṇḍaka) mansions of all classes (of occupants) should correspond to the [?āśi] [rāśi?]^[7] of the master; the Daṇḍaka mansions should be also made (lit., taken) to be favourable to the mistress of the house.

174-177. Those (Daṇḍaka) mansions which are built on the east and the south are auspicious for people of the Meṣa, Mīna, or Kumbha rāśi; those on the south and west should be for people of the Kulīra (Karkaṭa), Akṣa (Vṛṣa), or Mithuna rāśi; those on the west and the north are auspicious for people of the Tulā, Siṃha, or Kanyā rāśi; and those on the east and the north are auspicious for people of the Grāha (i,e„ Makara), Vṛścika, Cāpa (i.e., Dhanus) rāśi^[7].

178-179. The single block (Daṇḍaka) mansions should not be built otherwise than that stated above to be auspicious: thus is described the Daṇḍaka mansions with reference to the rāśis^[7].

180. The time of commencement for building of the single block (Daṇḍaka) mansion on (any of the) four directiona is stated here.

181-183. The building of the (Daṇḍaka) mansions is said to be commenced on an auspicious moment of some good conjunction (lagna) in the east in the months of Kumbha (January and February) and Makara (December and January); in the south in the months of Meṣha (March and April) and Vṛṣabha (April and May), in the west in the months of Siṃha (July and August) and Karkaṭa (June and July), and in the north in the months of Vṛścika (October and November) and Tulā (September and October).

184-185. As an alterative the (Daṇḍaka) mansions of all (people) may be commenced on either of those months; but no building work should be taken up on the four mouths omitted (life., not mentioned) here.

186-187. The Spirit of the site (Vāstupuruṣa) should be marked in four parts on the four quarters^[8], according to whose measure it would be auspicious to build all (types of) mansions.

188. But no mansion should be built with the spirit of the site placed in the reverse directions.

189-190. It would be dangerous (i.e., inauspicious) to make a building when the Spirit of the site is placed in a reverse direction; therefore, the position (lit., lying, śayana) of the spirit will be now shown and described,

191. The legs (of the Spirit) should be stretched out is the same directions as the Āditya (sun) is placed (i.e., the plots of Āditya).^[9]

192-193. His head should be turned with face downwards^[10]; similarly should be his left hand and right hand stretched out upwards: this is known to be the lying position of the Spirit.

194. The length and breadth of the mansion (lit., house) should be (situated) along the length and width of the Spirit.

195. Along the length of the mansion should be the legs (of the spirit) covering four parts upwards.

196. The belly (kukṣi) should occupy one part at the end of the four central plots (lit., parts).

197. The length of the leg from the sex organ to the sole of the foot (tala) should cover four plots.

198. The length of the head should occupy one part at the end of the four parts above the sex organ.

199. The position of the heart (of the Spirit) is said to cover one part below the head.

200. The middle body is said to cover the part between the heart and the belly.

201. The middle line across the breadth (of the mansion, where doors are opened) is known to be identical with the mouth passage (of the Spirit).

202. Thus is shown the Spirit of the site: he should be marked in all mansions.

203. Thus is finished (the description of) the Daṇḍaka mansions. The Svastika (mansion) will be described now.

204. (Of the first type of the Svastika mansion) the breadth should be eight parts and the length ten parts.

205. The above-mentioned ornaments should be clearly understood and set up in their proper measure.

206. The breadth of the courtyard in front should be five parts and the length seven parts.

207. The verandah on its sides should be made of one part, and shaped like the Svastika^[11].

208-209. There should be two mansions (śālā) on its two sides (i.e., directions) with width of two parts each; between those two the (main) hall should be made in the south-west as a two-part square.

210. The mezzanine rooms (lit., compartments, koṣṭhaka) should be made of two parts each at the region of the two upper portions of the joint (vaṃśa).

211. Beyond that the surrounding verandah should be made of the (one) part around.

212. Porticos (bhadra) should be made of one or two parts at the corners (karṇa) and consolidated with kankar.

213. The face (vaktra) should be in front of the two blocks of mansion, and the projection (nirgama) should be made of one or two parts.

214. On each side of the courtyard should be made the door of the wall (kuḍya.)

215. The door should be constructed as before along the length or breadth of the mansion.

216. The expert (architect) should build it in the south-west one or more storey high.

217. Thus is described the (first type of the) Svastika mansion, it is suited to those stated before.

218. (Of the second type of the Svastika mansion) the breadth should be ten parts and the length twelve parts.

219. The breadth of (each of) the two blocks of mansion should be made of three parts.

220. The width of the verandah in front as before should be three parts.

221. (And) the halls (vāsa) should be made of three parts each, and the rest should be made as before.

222. Thus is described the Svastika (mansion). The Maulika mansion will be described now.

223. (Of the first type of the Maulika mansion) the breadth should be ten parts and the length two parts more (i.e., twelve parts).

224-225. The breadth of the courtyard between the three blocks of mansion should be four parts; its length should be eight parts, and the surrounding verandah should be made of one part around.

226. The width of the mansion at the back and the two sides of that (verandah) should be two parts.

227. The halls (vāsa) should be of two parts each, and there should be two or three of them at the corners (karṇa).

228. Beyond those (halls) the surrounding verandah should be made of one or two parts.

229. There should be six faces of equal length, and the projection (nirgama) should be of one or two parts.

230. It 'the mansion) should consist of one or more storeys towards the courtyard in the south-west and the north-west (corners).

231. Thus should be built the (first type of the) Maulika mansion; it is fit for those mentioned before.

232. (Of the second type) the breadth should be twelve parts and the length two parts more than the breadth (i.e., fourteen parts).

233. The verandah should be made of one part at the front, and the back.

234. The (entrance) door in front as in the Daṇḍaka mansion should be made in conformity with the shape of the (Svastika) mansion, or of three parts.

235. The rest should be made as said before, and it should be decorated with all ornaments.

236. (Of the third type) the breadth should be thirteen parts and the length one part more (i.e., fourteen parts).

237. The breadth of the courtyard should be live parts and the length ten parts.

238. Beyond that the verandah (vāra) on the surrounding area should be two parts of the (whole) mansion.

239. The verandah should be made of one part; at its back and two aides.

240. The pavilion (maṇḍapa) should be made in conformity with the mansion, or three-fourths in size, or a three part square.

241. The hall (vāsa) should be made of three parts in the middle of the mansion.

242. There should be four mezzanine rooms (lit., pavilions), maṇḍapa) at the top of the two joints (of the blocks).

243. There should be three halls (vāsa) with the verandah of one part round the outside.

244. The door should be made in the middle, and the portico (bhadraka) of five by two parts.

245-246. The porticos should be discreetly constructed at the back and the middle of the two sides; at the corner there should be one portico, and at the front of the mansion one eye-like portico (netrabhadra).

247. It should be furnished with the side-towers (karṇaharmya), etc., and ornamented like the palace (prāsāda).

248. It should consist of one or more storeys, placing one hall upon the other.

249. Thus is described the (third type of the) Maulika; it is fit for the gods.

250-251. The same with mezzanine rooms (maṇḍapa) at the corners and front, and inside the hall (vāsa), is said to be the mansion fit for the universal monarchs (cakravartin).

252. Thus is finished the description of the Maulika. The Caturālaya (i.e., Caturmukha) mansion is described now.

253. (Of the first type of the Caturmukha) mansion the breadth should be ten parts and the length twelve parts.

254. The breadth of the courtyard in the middle should be two parts and the length four parts.

255. On the (? one) part surrounding the outer side of that should be constructed the verandah of the Nandyāvarta shape^[12].

256. Beyond that (verandah) should be the four mansions (śālā) on the four directions beginning with the east.

257-260. (One of those four mansions) in the east should extend from north to south, and its forehead, (i.e., face lalāṭa) should be on the south; one in the south should extend from east to west, and the forehead (lalāṭa) should be on the west; one in the west should extend from south to north, and its face (vaktra) should be on the north; and the one in the north should extend from east to west, the eyes (netra, i.e., face) being on the east.

261-263. The width of these mansions should be three parts each in the directions by which they extend; the length of the mansion in the east and the west should be six parts each, and the length of the mansions in the south and the north should be eight parts each.

264. Such should be the (dimensions of the) four mansions; they should be shaped like the Daṇḍaka mansions joined up.

265. The verandah should be of one or two parts round the outside.

266. The projection of the breadth of the face (netra, lit., eye) should be one, two, throe, or four parts.

267. These mansions should be furnished with faces (netra, lit., eye) the projection of the outer face being one part.

268. The four eyes (i.e., faces) should look towards the outside; therefore it (the mansion) is called the Caturmukha (of four faces).

269. They should be furnished (lit., enriched) with bases and other assemblage of ornaments (varga), and should be decorated like the palace (prāsāda).

270. They should consist of one or more storeys, and should be adorned with all ornaments.

271. Thus is described the (first type of the) Caturmukha mansion; it should be shaped like the Nandyāvarta.^[13]

272. (Of the second type) the breadth should be twelve parts and the length fourteen parts.

273. The breadth, of the courtyard in the middle should be four parts, and the length six parts.

274. On the part surrounding the outer side of that should be the verandah as before.

275. The longest mansion should be of ton parts and the shortest of two parts.

276. The breadth should be made as before; as an alternative the verandah may be of three parts.

277. The rest should be made as before: this (typo of) the Caturmukha mansion is fit for the gods.

278. (Of the third type) the wise (architect) should make the breadth and the length greater than the former by two parts.

279. The breadth of the verandah should be two parts, and all (the rest) should be made as before.

280. The hall should be made, as one likes, in some convenient directions, preferably in the interspace (i.e., corner).

281. The door to the inner mansion should be made as said for the Daṇḍaka mansions.

282. Thus is finished (the description of) the (Caturmukha mansions; they are recommended for those mentioned before.

283. The setting up and the arrangement of the Sarvatobhadra mansion will be described now.

284-286. The Sarvatobhadra should be a square; it being divided into eight parts the central courtyard should be of four parts, and the surrounding verandah of one part around; the mansion proper should be made of the two surrounding parts, and it should be furnished with four halls (vāsa).

287. (Of the first type of the Sarvatobhadra mansion) the breadth should be otherwise two parts, and the length four parts.

288. At the four corners there should be four pavilions (maṇḍapa) each of which should be of four parts.

289. The surrounding verandah should be made of one part round the outer side of those (pavilions).

290. There should be furnished four doors in the four directions, and four porticos (bhadras).

291. The breadth of the portico (bhadra) should be four parts, and its projection two parts.

292. The staircases should be made of one part at the corners for the purpose of ascending to the upper floors.

293. The courtyard may be covered with a roof (pracchādana) on it, or it may be without a roof.

294. This (type) should consist of one or more (lit., many) storeys, and should be decorated as before.

295. It should be furnished with the side towers (karṇaharmya), etc., and ornamented like the palace (prāsāda).

296. This should be (the first type of) the Sarvatobhadra; it is recommended for those mentioned before.

297. (Of the second type) the breadth should be as before, and the length (should be divided into) ten parts.

298. The courtyard in the centre, extending outwards or inwards should be a four part square.

299. The surrounding part outside that (courtyard) should be consolidated with kanar [kankar?] as ornaments.

300. The rest should be made as before; thus is finished the description of the Sarvatobhadra mansions.

301. The characteristic features of the Vardhamāna mansions will be described now.

302-305. The eleven varieties of breadth are said to begin from nine or ten cubits and end at twenty-nine or thirty cubits, the increment being by two cubits; the length should be, as said before, twice the breadth; and the height should be as before.

306. (Of the first type of the Vardhamāna mansion) the breadth should be ten parts, and the length twelve parts.

307. The breadth of the courtyard in the middle should be two parts and the length four parts.

S08. Outside that, the surrounding verandah should be optionally four parts.

309. The breadth of the surrounding mansion outside that should be two parts.

310. Equal to that should be the surrounding verandah constructed outside that.

311. It (the mansion) should be made single storeyed in the north-east and two-storeyed in the south-east.

312. In the north-west it should be made of three storeys, and in the south-west of five storeys.

313-314. In the south and the west the block (Daṇḍaka) should consist of four storeys; and in the east, the north, and the centre the block should be single storeyed.

315. The length and breadth of the hall (gṛha) at the four corners should be two parts each.

316-318. The face (front) pavilion (mukha-maṇḍapa) in the east is said to be a two part square; equal to that should be made the pavilion in the west; and the pavilion should be of two by four parts in the south, the north, and the middle.

319. The remainder should be for the surrounding verandah which is furnished with the cage-like windows (pañjara).

320. Porticos (bhadra) should be constructed on the two sides with dimensions of two by four parts.

321. The expert (architect) should make the portico (bhadra) at the back of one by two parts.

322. The front door in the east should be made of two by four parts.

323. The verandahs should be made of one part at the side and front of all the porticos (bhadra).

324. It should be furnished with pedestals, bases, pillars, and entablatures, etc.

325. It should be also adorned with the corner towers (karṇa-harmya) and other assemblage of ornaments (varga), and the interspaces (corridors) should be furnished with entablatures.

326. All its component members such as the pinnacle and the compartments (mezzanine rooms), etc., should be furnished with vestibules (nāsikā, lit., nose) and the cage-like windows (pañjara).

327. It should be furnished with ornamental jugs connected with creepers, and be adorned with arches (toraṇa), etc.

328-329. All ṭthe types of the Vardhamāna) should be decorated with (ornamental) crocodile-faces; and they should be furnished with the head (śiras), the neck (grīva), the vestibule (nāsikā), and the platform (vedikā).

330. Such should be the (first type of the) Vardhamāna mansion; it is fit for the Kṣatriyas.

331. (Of the second type) the breadth should be twelve parts, and the length greater than that by two parts (i.e., fourteen parts).

332-336. One block (lit., a structure in conformity with the mansion) should be made of three to five storeys high, extending from north to south, and with its breadth and length of four and six parts respectively; in the south-east and the north-west corners it should be made of three storeys high; in the west the mansion (śālā) should be of two by four parts, and five storeys high; and in the east the pavilion (maṇḍapa) should be of two by four parts, and single storey high.

337. In the north-east too it should be single storeyed, and it should be ornamented like the palace (prāsāda).

338. In the south-west it should be seven storeys high, and its pinnacle (kūṭa), mezzanine rooms (lit., compartment, koṣṭha), etc., should be as before.

339. The portico (bhadra) should be constructed in the middle of it, and the projection of the length should be one part.

340. There should be one corner pinnaclo (karṇakūṭa) at each of the four corners.

341. The chains (hārā) should be made of one part at the pinnacle (kūṭa), between two porticos (bhadra), and at the middle.

342-343. It should be decorated with the base, and other members, and adorned with the corner towers (karṇa-harmya), etc.; (that is) it should be ornamented like the palace (prāsāda), and the rest should be made as before.

344-346. At the two sides of the single block mansion (ekaśālā), the porticos (bhadra) should be of one by four parts; the expert (architect) should make the porticos (bhadra) at the back of two by four parts; or as an eight part square the porticos may be discreetly constructed.

347. As an alternative, at the back may be constructed a structure in conformity with the mansion (śālā) (instead of the portico) of [x? six?] by two parts.

348. The breadth of the front door should be four parts and the length six parts.

349 The verandahs in the front and at the two sides should be of one part (each).

350. A pavilion-like structure (maṇḍapākāra) should be made of two by four parts in the middle of that front verandah.

351. The staircases should be attached to the front, and they should be adorned with all ornaments.

352. The porticos (bhadra) and all other members should be symmetrically made for each of the storeys one above the other.

363. One pillar should be erected (exactly) above the other (in the upper storey; and one wall (bhitti) above the other.

354-355. If the wall (bhitti) be extended over the pillar (pāda) it will be defective in all respects; but if the pillars be raised above the wall (kuḍya) it would be all auspicious.

366. It (the mansion) should be furnished with all the members, and be decorated with all ornaments.

367. Thus is (described) the seven-storoyed Vardhamana (mansion); the rest being as before.

358. (Of the third type of the Vardhamāna mansion) the breadth should be fourteen parts and the length sixteen parts.

359. The courtyard and the hall (śālā) should be made as before, (but) the portico (bhadraka) should be one part more.

360. In the south-west, it (the mansion) should be of nine storeys high, and the other members should be discreetly built.

361. It should be furnished with all ornaments and decorated like the palace (prāsāda).

362-363. The (main) door should be constructed on the left of the middle Hue or at the middle (of the length); and the (other) above-mentioned doors of the Vardhamāna mansion should be suitably made.

364. Thus should be built the nine-storeyed Vardhamāna mansions for the king.

365. (Of the fourth type) the breadth should be sixteen parts, and the length should be (divided into) two parts more (i.e., eighteen parts).

366. Of those parts, the hall (śālā) should be of two parts, and the rest should be as before.

367. It should consist of eleven storeys in the south-west, and of three storeys in the north-east.

368. In the south-east and the north-west it should be made of five storeys.

369. In the south it should consist of seven storeys, and in the north of five storeys.

370. In the west it should consist of seven storeys, and in the east of two storeys.

371. Thus is known to be the eleven-storeyed Vardhamāna mansion.

372. The rest should be made as before, and it should be adorned with all ornaments.

373. (Of the fifth type) the same breadth and length should be increased by one part each way.

374. The breadth of the central courtyard should be five parts and the length seven parts.

375. The rest should be made as before, (but) it should consist of twelve storeys in the south-west.

376. It should be made of five storeys in the north-east, and of seven storeys in the south-east.

377. In the north-east it should consist of eight storeys; as an alternative, it may be of seven storeys.

378. It should be made of nine storeys in the south, the west, and the middle (centre).

379. This Vardhamāna mansion of all (types) should extend lengthwise from the east to the west^[14].

380. It should be made like the Daṇḍaka (i.e., of single block) on the sides, but; with floors on different storeys.

381. The halls (vāsa) one upon the other (on different floors) should have the same shape as in the first storey (i.e., ground floor).

382. The doors also (of the different storeys) should be made one upon the other of the same size (as in the first storey).

383. It would destroy all prosperity if the wall (kuḍya) be extended over the door.

384. The wall (kuḍya), the theatre-like courtyard (raṅga), and the verandah (alinda) should be furnished with colonnade.

385-386. The middle pillars should be omitted in the hall (vāsa) and the sanctuary (garbhagṛha); they should end at the wall (kuḍya) and their measurement should be made as said before.

387. If there be halls (vāsa) in each storey, they should be constructed upon the entablatures (i.e., floors).

388. The measurement (i.e., dimensions) of the pinnacle (upper mezzanine) rooms etc., should be the same as the measurement (i.e., dimensions) of the verandahs at the ground floor.

389-390. The great doors should be furnished with great porticos (bhadra) which. should be shaped like the pavilion (maṇḍapa); and the minor (upa) doors should also be made symmetrically as said before.

391. There should be made various walls (bhitti) in convenient quarters (with the length) extending towards some desirable directions.

392. The staircases should be constructed in each storey for ascending (and descending) purposes.

393. All other particulars not mentioned hero should be made according to the rules of the science (of architecture).

394. Thus is said to be the twelve-storeyed, Vardhamāna mansion by the ancients.

395. Similarly the āya and other formulas concerning the mansions described (by the ancients) will be stated below^[15].

396-398. The formulas of āya, vyaya, and ṛkṣa should be considered with regard to the length, of yoni with regard to the breadth, and of tithi and vāra with regard to the circumference; the remainders as before being preferable for the mansions (gṛha); the division (kṣaya) and the multiplication (vṛddhi), and all other particulars should be considered according to the rules which are stated to be applicable to the mansions (harmya) also.

399-402. All the mansions should be furnished, excluding the ground floor, with vestibules (nāsikā) and arches (toraṇa), etc; and be decorated with representations of leaves, the female crocodile-faces, and be adorned with various ornaments: thus they would be the source of beauty, fortune, health, and enjoyment (comfort).

Thus in the Mānasāra, the science of architecture, the thirty, fifth, chapter, entitled: “The description of the storeyed mansions.”

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Compare lines 9, 35 where buildings are seated to be constructed on one, two, or three sides, and lines 66-74.

[2]:

Compare lines 54-55.

[3]:

That is, including the Maulika, the Caturmukha, and the Savartobhadra classes (see lines 3-4); but the Maulika has been stated to consist of three rows of buildings (see line 68).

[4]:

Kings are divided into nine classes (see chapter XLII. 2-5).

[5]:

This universal monarch class of kings is mentioned unusually at the last; for the details of the crowns see chapter XLIX.

[6]:

Compare line 370.

[7]:

One of the twelve signs of the zodiac; compare note 1, p. 404.

[8]:

The Spirit is marked with face downwards and his two hands and two feet pointing to the four intermediate directions (i.e., N.-E., N.-W., S.-W. and S.-E.) For details see pages 52, 54, chapter VII, lines 255-265.

[9]:

See chapter VII.

[10]:

See chapter VII, line 255, page 52, note 1.

[11]:

See page 63 and the plates under chap. IX.

[12]:

According to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (LIII-32) a terraced building with door on three sides; according to the Kāmikāgama (XXXV. 88-90; LIV, 7-37) there are sixteen kinds; according to the Suprabhedāgama (XXXI. 4-50, 103) it should be a pavilion with various details (see the writer’s Dictionary, pages 295, 296, 294).

[13]:

See note under line 255.

[14]:

Compare lines 82-88.

[15]:

See chapter IX. 63-98, pages 65-67; Chapter XXX, 168-193; and the writer’s Dictionary, pages 600-610.