what is a shikhara?
Answers
Answer:
It is a Sanskrit word which means mountain peak. Shikharas in the Hindu temples is built directly above the Grabhagriha chamber, where the presiding idol of the deity is placed and worshiped. The Shikharas are the most prominent architecture seen in Hindu temples of Northern India.
In South India, the term is vahana, meaning vehicle/chariot. The emergence of Shikharas is traced back to the golden era of the Gupta dynasty. The oldest Shikhara is traced to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
Answer:
Shikhara, in Sanskrit, means "mountain peak."
Shikhara, in history, refers to a notable feature in the architecture of the temples in North India. This structure distinguishes the temples of North India from South Indian temples.
This structure is similar to a spire or pyramid-shaped tower on the top of the temple and forms the highest end point of the temple.
The highest roof of the Hindu temples is also called the Shikhara.