History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c31.63

v1.c31.63

The curvature of śikhara is devised in Aparājita by two methods, viz. Candrakalā rekhā and Udayakalā rekhā. According to Candrakalā method the rekhā (profile of the śikhara) has 16 khaṇḍas. Each khaṇḍa is horizontally divided into 16 kalās and vertically into 16 chāras; the number of resultant rekhās thus total 16 x 16 = 256 varieties with a name for each. The Udayakalā system produces 435 varieties of rekhās by an alternate reckoning. That these variations are not exaggerated is proved by the divergent śikhara profiles in different regions of India and also by sample tests undertaken of the profiles of a number of temples in the same region. It will indeed be readily seen that the śikhara of a developed Orissan temple is distinguished by an almost straight profile terminating in a sudden parabolic curve at the top.