Category Architectural elements

All architectural elements of the temples

gala

Literally neck: part between the topmost tala of the vimana and the sikhara; usually the clerestory raising up the roof (sikhara) with light and air-openings (nasika’s) on its side in the vimana types. The neck is below the amalaka in… Continue Reading →

garbhagriha

(also garbhagriham, Tamil: கர்பகிருஹம்) Literally womb house; inner or most sacred chamber of the temple, the sanctum sanctorum (cf. mulasthana) or cella, where cult image is housed.

ghana-dvara

false door adorned with torana

gomukha

(also gomukham, Tamil: கோமுகம்) gargoyle or channel from which the liquid matter with which the deity was bathed is drained from the garbhagriha.

gopuram

(also gopura, Tamil: கோபுரம்) Main gateway; the imposing temple-gateway (cf. dvara); the storeyed structure over the entrance or entrances through the enclosing walls th the premises of a temple, palace or city.

griva

(griva, Tamil: கிரீவா) Literally neck: part between the topmost tala of the vimana and the sikhara; usually the clerestory raising up the roof (sikhara) with light and air-openings (nasika’s) on its side in the vimana types. The neck is below… Continue Reading →

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