The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s2.1

v1.c9.s2.1

However manifold the varieties of the pyramidal superstructure proved to be, they do not attain in number, wealth and distinction, the range of the curvilinear Śikhara which belongs to the Hindu temple throughout four-fifths of India. The river Kistna (Kṛṣṇa) is generally taken as the southern boundary of its extent. Temples having curvilinear Śikharas however exist even south of the Kistna and as far as the Tungabhadra.⁵⁷ Amongst the several types and stages of their development, two shapes are fundamental. The one kind of Śikhara, (Fig. d), except for the inward curve of its sides does not differ in detail from the pyramidal type of the superstructure (type IA. 2) as represented in the Sūrya temple at Sūtrapada, for example. Its horizontal courses have generally the profile of cornice mouldings; Gavākṣa ‘windows’ are carved on them. In this type of Śikhara (Fig. d) as well as in the corresponding pyramidal superstructure, an Āmalaka, indispensable as crown of the whole superstructure (Fig. c), may also be placed at the four corners.⁵⁸ There they were seen supporting the topmost course or slab of the superstructure (Temple No. 10, Aihole; Fig. b). This may represent an early stage of the employment of the Āmalaka on the trunk of the superstructure. The Āmalakas are, however, repeated in most of the curvilinear Śikharas in regular intervals reinforcing the curved edge where they mark the Bhūmis, levels, or storeys.⁵⁹ Each Bhūmi has several strata, first only two (Fig. d), and subsequently an ever increasing number of horizontal layers (Pl. LXXI), mouldings and recesses, the mouldings opening their Gavākṣa ‘windows’ as carved symbols (Fig. d) in growing profusion until their rounded shapes are but the meshes of a patterned network which is cast over the Śikhara (Pl. LXXI, etc.).