The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s3.11

v2.c11.s3.11

In its largest form as exemplified on the Hindu temple, the Gavākṣa is an antefix known as Śukanāsā; it shields the structural opening of the Śikhara or superstructure (Pls. XLVII-VIII); there it has, on the temple, its original and leading place. It may however be repeated on a lesser scale in the three other main directions, in front of the central buttress. In South India it is placed at each cardinal point of the Śikhara or dome shape of the ‘High Temple’. In its particular Drāviḍian version beset with flames it blazes forth from the many chapels on each Bhūmi; varied in size and the elaboration of its details.