Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c20.12

c20.12

There is little appreciable difference in architectural appearance between the temples of the Jains and those of the Hindus, except that the former preferred enclosed compartments instead of open columned halls, thus ensuring more seclusion for their ceremonial. Nor did the two major divisions of Hinduism, Sivaite and Vishnuvite, affect to any extent the temple structure The device on the finial of the sikhara distinguishes the temples of each system, the three pronged trident signifying a Siva temple, inside the cella of which will be a *linga* or phallic emblem, and outside on the east, in front of the main entrance, an effigy, of the sacred bull (*nandi*). On the other hand above the spire of the Vishnu temple will be a disc, or wheel, and inside the sanctuary a statue of the deity. Other determinating symbols are the dedication stone, which may be seen carved above the doorway of the sanctum on the centre of the lintel, corresponding to the keystone of an arch. Moreover, around the exterior walls of the sanctuary three principal images are often carved, one in the centre of each side, the figure at the back and west generally having some connection with the particular deity enshrined within. The various compartments comprising the general arrangements of the temple are usually co-ordinated axially, being all built on one alignment running east and west, with the entrance to the east. The edifice normally faces east so that the early morning rays of the sun may penetrate into the holy of holies, thus filling it with the fresh glory of the coming day. Such conditions also symbolise the entry of the god into his own temple of the world. This system of orientation, however, is not so strictly adhered to in the temples of the Jains, which sometimes face the north.