| Sikhara |
Articles about Sikhara |
Information AboutSikhara |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SIKHARA | |
| hindu temple architecture | |
| newar | |
|
at Jammu , India is built in the "Nagar" style of temple architecture.]] Sikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to "mountain peak", refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India . Sikhara over the Sanctum Sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of a Hindu temple of North India. In South India , the equivalent term for "Sikhara" is "Vimanam". These are not to be confused with the elaborate gateway-towers of south Indian temples, called " Gopuram s", which are perhaps the most prominent features of those temples. , India. The gold-plated tower in background is the Vimanam/Sikhara (under which the idol is enshrined), whereas the taller tower in fore-ground is the '''Gopuram''', built over the temple gateway.]] MAJOR STYLES Among several styles of Sikhara's that obtain in Hindu temple architecture, the two most common ones are the "Dravidian" style prevalent in south India and the "Nagar" style prevalent almost everywhere else. While both styles feature a tall and tapering tower, the dravidian style is highly ornate, as seen at the Tirupati temple (left). The "Nagar" style (right) is simpler and consists of a conical dome. Very often, the cone-like shape is repeated several times, beginning with a broad base and tapering to the top; here is a fine example. In every style of Sikhara/Vimanam, the structure culminates with a ''"Kalasham",'' or sacred brass receptacle, at its peak. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINK |
|
|