The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s3.8

v1.c9.s3.8

As humble in its origin as is the series of slabs, whatever they originally might have consisted of, stone, or layers of bricks or less likely wooden planks, attaining height in the shape of a pyramid (IA),—is the curvilinear prototype of the Śikhara (II). The Tabernacle in the forest is one of the primeval forms of sacred architecture in India, as full of meaning in its curves as is the arch made of branches described in the "Āpastamba Śrauta Sūtra" under which, as under the rays of the Sun man returns from death to life (Part IV). The arch of vegetation gives its curve to sanctuaries set up for a definite Pūjā only; they are not meant to outlast the time of worship. They have no permanence but are always put to the same use. The large leaves of the banana fold into walls; or the temporary shrines are made of bamboo, etc., and withes. As many of these shrines as are set up, so many perish; quicker even than they had been built they are dismantled after the Pūjā; they belong to a tradition which does not date and is living.