The Hindu Temple v2.c12.41

v2.c12.41

The rhythmical compactness of the Śikhara and the dwindling of sculptured form into the texture of the monumental shape are brought about by the order of Uromañjarīs, four in each of the main directions, the lower clinging to the ‘chest’ (uras) of the higher. They are flanked by Karṇaśṛṅgas in parallel horizontal rows, three Karṇaśṛṅgas on the two lower and one in the third row, fill the corners from the Uromañjarīs in the East to those in the South. Intervening between Uromañjarīs and Karṇaśṛṅgas are Naṣṭaśṛṅgas (Khaṇḍarekhā) or ‘hidden’ small Śikharas, whose edge (koṇa) and Āmalaka are to be seen whereas the curvature of their sides is hidden and oversected by the adjacent Karṇaśṛṅgas. Four such Naṣṭaśṛṅgas belong to each of the two lower rows in each sub-quarter of the Śikhara. The one and only Karṇaśṛṅga, of considerably smaller size, of the third row sits on the corner (koṇa) of the Mūlamañjarī. It is flanked and exceeded by Naṣṭaśṛṅgas of considerable height. They terminate at the level of the second but last Uromañjarī and strengthen the theme of the Karṇas or edges of Uromañjarīs and Mūlamañjarī alike, with their horizontal divisions of Bhūmis.