The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s3.3

v1.c9.s3.3

An exchange of forms within a community of symbols went on through the countries and centuries; an ever more explicit and detailed exposition was given to the meaning of the Prāsāda; increasing coalescence of the several symbolic shapes on each of the types safeguarded its monumental unity. The intricate carvings all over the surface of the later temples do not distract the attention from their one and only purpose (Pls. I, XLIII, LXXI, etc.). In the strong light of the Indian day the profusion of plastic detail is absorbed into the texture of the monument. In its wealth its form is alive; it impregnates the carvings. In the most elaborate versions and their many combinations is the integrity of the original forms.