The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s5.4

v1.c8.s5.4

Neither of these structures has contributed its particular form to the sanctuary itself. The shed furnished additional ritual secrecy to the interior of the Hindu temple; the Tabernacle of the forest, similar to the dolmen in this respect, was raised on a socle or altar and while it enclosed the sacred space it marked it by the high shape of four curved branches fixed in the corners of a square and with their ends gathered to a point. Such a conjoining of various shapes and resources to form the Hindu temple is seen not only in its beginning but also in the different phases of its history and in its types (Parts VI and VII). It would result in a compilation, and in the literal sense of the word this is indeed the case, were it not that the congregation of all the available possibilities is to one point only, to the gradual and measured reduction of all the wealth of three dimensional form in one direction, that of ascent, towards a point which is that of the finial above the high superstructure. In this surge of measured units imbued with meaning, the metaphysical aim is supported by principles of vegetation; by growth and ramification, by symmetries and proliferation of form.