The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s2.t2.3

v1.c9.s2.t2.3

The Śikhara has two main shapes. The one, IIA, consists of a central curvilinear Śikhara surrounded by clusters of similar Śikharas (Pls. I. IV; Fig. i). These are formed by one or several half Śikharas or Śṛṅgas leaning against the ‘chest’ (uras) of the main Śikhara and of each successive Uromañjarī. At the corners, narrow and high quarter-Śikharas fill and round off the recesses between the Uromañjarī and the main Śikhara (mūla-Śikhara or Mañjarī), while smaller part or three-quarter Śṛṅgas are grouped in the lower courses of the Śikhara each in continuation of a buttress or offset of the perpendicular wall of the Prāsāda. The many variations of the theme of the Śikhara cluster are brought about by the number of Uromañjarīs of the Śikhara, the number of Rathas or offsets of the perpendicular wall and the number of horizontal rows in which are set the miniature Śikharas called Tilaka (sesamum seed) at the base of the main Śikhara, the Mūlamañjarī. These factors depend on the specific proportions of the particular type of temple and also on its height and the curvature of the superstructure. All the subsidiary Śikharas and other shapes are always subordinated to the main and dominant central Mūlamañjarī.