The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s7.5

v1.c8.s7.5

The superposition of the pyramidal, storeyed form on the vertical walls of the Garbhagṛha, though generally is not necessarily always observed. The pyramidal structure of the Vaikuṇṭha Perumal Temple (ib. Pl. LIV) rises directly from its socle. Here too, the storeys are not simulated, miniature replicas; they house a Garbhagṛha on each floor. In the majority of the temples in South India, including the Kanarese country, a complete structural pyramid of this type, appears raised on the Samsthāna, the groundfloor or one storeyed temple. This development appears already completed in the seventh century rock cut temple models which an ingenious king (Narasimhavarman) was pleased to have cut out of the rocky boulders near the shore of Mamallapuram.