The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s3.24

v2.c11.s3.24

The deity looks out from the innumerable windows of the temple. In these symbolic wheels and arches, shapes are frequently carved which further illustrate their meaning. In the relatively most ancient Gavākṣas of temples, the face of a celestial looks out (Gandharvamukha)⁶³ or a lion is framed by its arch as on the Śikhara of the Paraśurāmeśvar Temple, Bhuvaneśvar, forming part of an almost pictographic language, for the Lion is the solar animal.⁶⁴ Celestials or Lions look out from the temple towards the devotee on whom the light is shed from its dark source within, across its massive walls and closed windows.⁶⁵