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CHAPTER XVI
THE ACCESSORIES OF THE TEMPLE-COMPLEX
(a) The Kirtitoraņa (b) The Prakāra and The Balānaka (c) The Deva Kulikās (d) The Dipastambha (e) The Tank or Reservoir (i) Treatment in the extant temples (a) The Kirtitoraṇa1
A prominent feature of temple architecture in Gujarat is the ornamental torana or an arched gate which was erected on the front or in the middle and/or on either side of a temple. This imposing structure is formed of two richly carved lofty pillars.
The architrave is surmounted by an arch consisting of three or five curves arranged in the form of a triangular pediment. The arch is flanked by a facetted rectangular block surmounted by a small āmalaka and a finial. The block is technically known as the Tilaka. In some magnificient toraņas a makara figure is projected from the Tilaka. la In the sections
1. The torana is popularly known as Kirtitorana in Gujarat. It is different from the term Kirtistambha which denotes a solitary memorial pillar. The toraṇa was intended to provide for the Hinqolaka (Swing) on which the deity was placed on festive occasions. la, "Tilaka’ is a rectangular block with facetted sides adorned with lozenges design and surmounted by a tiny amalaka and a finial.
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