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The Architectural Treatment of the Sikhara
Sm. Su, has given intensive expression to the Sikharanvita temples. The trunk of the Sikhara or manjari which is referred to here is curvilinear. Its curvature gradually varies with the height of the shoulder course (Skandha) from the base to the apex of the Sikhara. This curvilinear shape is described as Padmakosa or Veņukosa i, e. having a curved shape like that of the calyx of a lotus or that of calyx of a bamboo It encloses the vertical axis of the Prasada (shrine) till the upper portion of it known as Kantha or Griva (neck) is attained. Over it rests the amalaka and the finial.
At its base the main or central Sikhara (also called. here, mulamanjari) covers the space occupied by the shrine proper. Following the lateral projections, the uromañjarīs (Uruṣringas) and ṣringas have their place. Each of the four curvilinear faces are adorned with an Uromanjari, which is lower than the trunk of the Mulamanjari having the height equal to its chest only and which represents a replica in shape of an offset. Like the mulamanjari, it consists of the neck (griva) the amalaka and the finial (kalasa). The corners (karņas) of the superstructure are fortified by small Sikharas (also known as Karnaṣringas or Karna Karmas),
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Sm. Su, has laid down manifold rules pertaining to the height of the Sikhara and its several mouldings. In the common varieties the height of the shoulder (Skandha) of the Sikhara is prescribed to be twice, two and a quarter times or two and a half times the width of the prasāda (shrine proper).58 The amalasaraka and kalaśa are composed of several parts.
The general rules prescribed by Sm. Su. pertaining to the height of the temples etc. are wholly accepted by APPR. as by other canonical works. But it has given greater importance to the constructions of several varieties of curves i. e. the profiles of the curvilinear Sikhara,
58. Sm. Su. LVII, 122, 329, 455, 492 etc. In particular instances the height of the Sikhara is however, prescribed to be only slightly more than or even one and a quarter times the width of the shrine (Sm. Su. LVI 161, 165. 175, 176,-181 etc.)
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