Talk:Vimana
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
vimāna (‘an object that is measured’) Though etymologically this word is defined as something which is measured (mā = to measure), it is used in a technical sense. According to the works on ancient Hindu architecture it can mean any of the following: a chariot of the gods flying in heavenly regions; a house or a palace, especially the one which is seven-storeys in height; the small tower over the garbhagṛha or the sanctum sanctorum of a temple. This last one can be of three architectural types: nāgara (curvilinear); drāviḍa (pyramidal); vesara (combination of the former two). See also HINDU TEMPLES.