The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s8.53

v2.c11.s8.53

¹⁹¹ In this connection it may be possible to see some light thrown also on the corbels or bracket capitals of pillars, etc. where an inverted pyramid composed of tiers (Hira-grahaṇa) rises above the Āmalaka. Their symbolism might be referable to that of the spheres above the sun, from Svarloka upwards. The successive increase in area of the single ‘slabs’ serves a purpose akin to that of a bracket capital on the pillars, whereas no such purpose is served by the same shape on top of the Stūpa. The slabs of this inverted pyramid share with the pyramid of slabs of the temple the function of a solid cover.