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In case of Swetamber temples majority of the temples have their deity facing eastabout 60%. Approximately one-fifth (20%) of the temples are having deity that face towards north. In case of 15% temples deity face west and 2 % have their deity facing all the cardinal directions. It means they are very flexible in the face of diety but prefer east direction.
6.3.2 Garbhagriha Plan Form
Circular
2%
Octagonal
5%
Rectangular
28%
Square 65%
Figure: 6.21-Garbhagriha Plan form. Source: (Author)
Sanctum of the temple is called "Garbhagriha". More than half of the temples have square plan form for the sanctum. As shown in the above pie chart, there are four plan forms - namely Square, Rectangular, Octagonal and Circular - observed respectively in 65%, 28%, 5% and 2% of the temples.
Circular
0%
Octagonal
3%
Rectangular
34%
Square 63%
Figure: 6.22 - Garbhagriha Plan form of Digamber Sect. Source: (Author)
In case of Digamber Sect, more than half of the temples have square plan form for the garbhagriha. As shown in the above pie chart, there are three plan forms - namely
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