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The Vertical Parts of the Mandapa
The rūpakantha is superimposed usually by courses often three or more in numbers known as Kolas (Kalikas ). The Kola is a rib like moulding decorated with a gajatālu mouldings at terminal.. The next moulding superimposing Kola, in some instances, is known as gajatalu, 137 shaped like an elephant's palate. In carving it is nothing but a series of kolas rediating from a common centre and forming a cusped hemicycle. A gajatālu may comprises 3, 5, 7 or 9 ribs, in very early instances, decorated with Campaka buds which in later times replaced by lotus petals. The centre of gajatālu is generally occupied by a flower bud (mukuli) with spread out calyx. In the earliest instance the form of Gajatālu is simple but in course of time a complex form developed. A package of small gajatālus, in gradually increasing numbers, is found in several strata. This gave rise to a variety of modes in its internal depiction.
Valika is an intermidate moulding seperating the two courses i. e. Kola & gajatālu, It is also known as starānātara. It is usually depicted in the form of a cippikā decked with lotus petals. In earlier instances its profile is carved with creepers. In later times miniature lumās, 130 lambikās, kalikas etc. were attached to it. Their main function in ceiling is to give it a charming appearance.
The central lotus pendant of the ceiling is traditionally known as Padmašilā. 131 By virtue of its possition it is a key-stone of the ceiling.
129. The local term for gajatalu is kācala (nut-shell ). So the ceiling having both the courses-Kola and Gajatālu is known as “Kola-kācala' moulding. 130. A detailed account of several kinds of lumās is given in APPR. CXCII. 131. APPR. CXIII, 16; CXIV, 14; CXXIX, 7; CILVII, 2-3 & 6-7; Pramāṇamanjarī, v. 171.
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