The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s3.2

v2.c11.s3.2

The walls of the temple, as has been shown, are transmuted into carvings and images which are an exposition of the meaning of the Prāsāda. They are bodied forth; Aṣṭadikpālas, Pratihāras, Apsarās and other lesser goddesses, Mithuna groups, Śārdūlas and the like are the furthermost exponents of the Prāsāda, unframed, unshrined, and peripheral shapes of the walls. Framed however in their niches, each a small shrine, pillared and having frequently a superstructure and roof of their own the major divinities are sheltered, each niche being a paradoxical massive-door in which is beheld an aspect of the divinity of the temple.⁴⁹