The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c8.36

v1.c8.36

**Pinnacle :** The pinnacle includes most of the elements of the Benares *Kalaśa*, but their relative proportions are entirely different. The square plate *rāmarekhā*, on the top of the steeple, is small in size, and of slight thickness, having more the appearance of the plinth of a pillar held very much within the flattened top of the steeple than of a massive covering for the head, projecting considerably beyond its area. It is, besides, invariably plain, and has none of the denticulations which give it its peculiar name. Above it, a narrow neck of low height supports the *amlaśilā*, which, instead of being of the small size and insignificant appearance common at Benares, assumes the proportions of a regular dome. It is invariably solid, compressed, and ribbed, having the appearance of a gigantic melon, the height being about half the horizontal diameter. In building it, eight stones are generally used, four above and four below; but in small edifices one or two stones suffice for its construction: sometimes a great many stones are used, as shown in the section above. For the support of its projecting edge, four *caryatides*, or lions-couchant, or ugly dwarfs, are commonly employed, and they face the four sides of the body of the temple.