A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c21.93

c21.93

The three horizontal divisions of the vimana are even more ornate than the two of the hall. The basement, which is continuous with that of the hall, is just the same. Above it, the broad space corresponding to that taken up by the pillars and screens of the hall is adorned with ornate niches containing images of gods under foliated canopies, each one so elaborately chiselled (and often signed by the sculptor) as to constitute a more or less distinct work of art (Pl. XII). The rich effect of all this statuary is enhanced by the star shape of the structure which produces vertical planes like facets and provides an abundant variety of light and shade. The sikhara separated by the wide projecting cornice from the body of the temple below keeps the stellate formation, but its vertical lines are balanced by horizontal mouldings so that the whole tower appears as an orderly succession of diminishing tiers terminating in a low finial having the shape of a parasol at its apex. Miniature shrines and niches adorn each of these tiers.