The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c14.13

c14.13

Fig. 41 is a typical specimen of the Vishnu symbols dug up at Sarnath: it has an image of Ganêsha carved upon it. It is crowned by the amalaka; the finial, water-pot, or *kalasha*, is missing in most cases. It was probably carved in a separate piece and perhaps in a different material. Like all Vishnu shrines, the sides of the sikhara are ornamented with sun-windows: Vishnu watches for the approach of his lovely bride Lakshmî, or Srî, who is Ushas, the Vedic Dawn-maiden.