Lingaraja Temple : Sikhara, c. 1000.

Date

Authors

Zimmer, Heinrich Robert
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

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Abstract

Description

Here the sikhara is now completely beehive-shaped in which the original or cubical form of the cella is entirely merged into the curvilinear profile of the tower. Inserted one above another in alternate converging ribs of the spire are turrets repeating the shape of the tower as a whole: these are the Orissan version of the urusringas that appear as more salient projections in the temples of Khajuraho. Even the most elaborate of Orissan temple towers are extremely primitive in construction. They are built entirely on the principle of corbelled vaulting, so that in section we would see a hollow pyramid with overlapping courses of masonry roofed by the terminal cap of the structure. The sikhara shrine was here preceded by a number of porches of the bhadra type reserved for worshippers and religious spectacles. (Rowland, pp. 170-71)

Citation

Source

Type

Archives Series

Basham Collection

Date created

1955

Access Statement

License Rights

This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.

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