The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s1.28

v2.c11.s1.28

On the outside of the temple, each of the closely set images on the perpendicular wall facets, has to be dwelt upon by itself. For each is complete in its particular meaning and at its particular place. The main aspects, for example, of the God in the temple such as certain Avatārs, in a Viṣṇu temple; or the divinities most closely related to Śiva, if the temple is consecrated to him; or the images of the three great gods, Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva, are placed in ‘massive doors’ in three of the cardinal points, whereas the entrance itself, generally facing East, frequently has a small image of the main divinity carved at the centre of the lintel.⁷ It abounds also in other carvings⁸ all linked up as one great composition. Over and above, it frames the main image in the Garbhagṛha.⁹