The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s3.14

v1.c9.s3.14

This rhythmical progression from the centre is particularly elaborated in the plan of the temples having a curvilinear Śikhara. Wherever the shape of the Tabernacle rests upon or encloses the dolmen-shrine placed on the altar-like base, the three main components of the Hindu temple are joined in the vertical direction by the high flung arches of multiple buttresses which clasp its sacred form (Pls. LXXI, XLIII). On the temples with a pyramidal superstructure, the buttresses are but rudiments, flat and without gradation (Fig. h; cf. plans in Part VII), without the scope of numberless variations of shape in which they step forth from the centre of the Garbhagṛha and are joined below the Āmalaka of the curvilinear Śikhara.