Thread by @artist_rama

This gigantic portion is just the GarbhaGriha of Brihadiswara Temple, GangaikondaCholapuram.

Let us look at few elements of this portion:

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1.Upa Pitha – The Base of temple over the ground (Pitha) is the representation of Kumbha, the pot filled with Water – representing the “Source of Life”.

2.Adhishtana – the element above Upa Pitha is the representation of the Kalasha which is also filled with water, sprouting leaves from it indicate the “Rise of Life”.

3.Simhaavari – is the band of Lions that runs around the GarbhaGriha. Simhaavari indicates the ferociousness & Courage of the Rulers.

4.Two elements in this region are – Sthambha & Sthambhakara. While Sthambha is a real pillar bearing the weight of temple, Sthambhakara is a pilaster (Pseudo Pillar) which is decorative in nature and creates a recess in the GarbhaGriha external walls called – “Koshta”.

5.Koshta – is a recess creating “Mini Temple” in the walls of South Indian temples which harbors the different Avatars or Gods. In North Indian Temples the same element is called – “AnuPrastha”.

6.Prastara – in this temple two prominent layers of “Prastara” (Chajja) is seen protecting the lower layers of the Temple. While North India temple Prastaras are thin & called “Danda Chadya”, South Indian Prastaras are thick & Humongous.

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