Question

What is a arches and sikhara?

Answer 1

Shikhara, ( Sanskrit: “mountain peak”) also spelled shikara, also called shikar, in North Indian temple architecture, the superstructure, tower, or spire above the sanctuary and also above the pillared mandapas (porches or halls); it is the most dominant and characteristic feature of the Hindu temple in the north. The North Indian shikhara is basically of two types: (1) the latina, curvilinear in outline, the type most usually found above the sanctuary; and (2) the phamsana, rectilinear in outline and capped by a bell-shaped member, the form more usually found above the mandapa.

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