The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s2.t3.22

v1.c9.s2.t3.22

The closed volume of an Orissan temple consists of the Prāsāda and its Maṇḍapa; the former is the Rekhā or Baṛa Deul and the latter is the Piṛhā Deul; its superstructure is pyramidal, it represents type IA. In its fully evolved shape it is crowned by an Āmalaka above a Ghaṇṭā (bell-shape). The two shapes of the superstructure, the curvilinear Śikhara II[B] and the pyramidal Śikhara IA here conjointly, each by the side of the other, form the perfect shape of the Orissan temple, the lower Piṛhā Deul being subordinated to the higher Baṛa Deul in proportionate measurement of which the width of the Prāsāda is the module.⁷³ The balance of these two contrasted superstructures, a closely knit unity of Prāsāda or Baṛa Deul and Maṇḍapa or Piṛhā Deul, is peculiar to Orissa. In the other provinces the superstructures of the Maṇḍapas prepare and defer the climax of the Śikhara of the Prāsāda (Pl. I).