The Colas c36.11

c36.11

Fig. 6. Main shrine of Nāgeśvara temple, Kumbakonam, Tanjore District. It is a beautiful example of two-storeyed (*dvitalaprāsāda*) shrine. Heavy indentations on plan. Sharp light and shade effect on elevation due to projections at the corners and the centres of each side. *Karṇakōṣṭhas* on corners and *śālās* in the centre of parapet with the frieze of animals in bas-relief, which occurs again above. This motif has not yet been employed for the base also as in still later temples. Square *śikhara* with *kūḍus* on its sides. Figure sculptures in the niches and below *kūḍus*. Mouldings and pilasters are simple. The corbels are rounded, survival of an earlier feature.