The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s2.6

v1.c9.s2.6

From the beginning, the curvilinear Sikhara has one central projection in the shape of a broad offset, all along its height (Fig. d). Where this superstructure appears on top of the walls of the square Garbhagṛha, the walls themselves are similarly buttressed (Pl. LXXI). The surfaces, in receding planes of the superstructure, are the vertical extensions of the theme of the perpendicular walls of the ‘ground floor’. As one unit, the entire Prāsāda steps forth on the four sides; the central buttresses or offsets frequently even exceed the sides of the Sikhara in height and are extended above its shoulder-course (skandha) into the region of the neck (grīvā) below the Āmalaka (Pls. LXXI, XLIII; Fig. i, p. 212).