The Colas c35.57

c35.57

The main pilasters in the *mahāmaṇḍapa* and *agramaṇḍapa* have square bases with *nāgapaḍam* motifs at the four top corners from amidst which spring the octagonal shafts terminating in capitals likewise octagonal in section. The niches on the projections of the surface of the walls have shorter pilasters with the same square bases and *nāgapaḍams* at the scape, but sixteen-sided shafts and capitals, square abacus, and, what is more important, corbels of the earlier type with a plain median tenon and the two lateral bevels showing faintly the *taraṅga* (roll) ornament. The projecting cornices over these niches are surmounted by *pañjara* reliefs with large *kūḍus* enclosing miniature models of shrines. The niches on the recessed parts of the walls have short pilasters and capitals. They bear no corbels and the projecting shelves above them carry *toraṇa* arches.