The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s8.3

v1.c9.s8.3

The superstructure of the Maṇḍapa must not exceed in height the Śukanāsā of the Prāsāda (S.S. LXVII. 102; 110). The Śukanāsā, however, at different periods and in the various types of temples itself varies from having half the height of the Śikhara to a less 'perfect' proportion. While thus the height of the Maṇḍapa depends upon the height of the temple and its Śukanāsā, its proportion is not a fixed one; in plan however the centre of the Maṇḍapa is in a fixed proportion to the Garbhagṛha; its central square has the same area (S.S. LXVII. 43).⁵⁰ This central space is marked as a rule by four pillars, forming a Catuṣkī, a pavilion, whose pillars, by underpinning, help to support the roof or dome. The intercolumnia of the central square have the maximum measurement. The other pillars