Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c35.25

c35.25

There is one other architectural feature, common to the temples of this southern type, which is prominent on account of its high aesthetic properties. This is the *manastambha*, or free-standing pillar, an example of which usually confronts the main entrance to the basti, a good instance being that in front of the Parswanathaswami at Sravana Belgola. Planted on a wide-spreading base of several moulded steps, the shaft, square at its lower section, changes to a circular shape having shallow flutes crossed by lateral bands at regular intervals. At the top of the shaft is the capital, usually a fluted vase-motif of Dravidian derivation, and this supports an elaborated superstructure, the design of which gives its character to the whole. This graceful conception of a finial may be likened to a kind of tabernacle based on a wide square abacus, below which is a circular member resembling a full-blown flower. The corners of the abacus are supported by figures or rampant gryphons, while small pillars and finials decorate every projection. As some of these free-standing *manastambhas* are over fifty feet in height they form an artistic and impressive introduction to the temple entrance.