Manasara on Nagaradivibheda

Summary

This article critically examines the chapter on Nāgarādi‑vibheda in the Mānasāra, a medieval Sanskrit treatise on architecture. The author first introduces the three canonical temple styles—Nāgara, Drāvida and Vesara—and summarises their basic characteristics as understood by traditional texts. He then focuses on the Mānasāra’s description of these forms, translating and interpreting key verses. The article notes that earlier commentators offered differing translations regarding the shapes of various temple components. To clarify ambiguities, the author analyses the Sanskrit terminology, arguing that words like “caturaśra” indicate a square or rectangular shape and should not be read as quadrangular in a way implying a distinct form. By comparing the Mānasāra’s prescriptions with other śilpaśāstra texts, the article contends that some variations attributed to Vesara or mixed types are in fact permissible modifications within Drāvida or Nāgara forms. It concludes that both Drāvida and Vesara structures can be octagonal or mixed in shape, whereas Nāgara structures always maintain a square plan below the neck of the tower. The author emphasises that misunderstanding arises when translators overlook the context and the technical use of terms, leading to contradictory interpretations. By reconstructing the intended meaning, the article contributes to a more accurate understanding of how the Mānasāra conceptualises temple architecture and underscores the need for careful philological analysis when consulting Sanskrit treatises.