Department of Archaeology India Khajuraho

The shape of the.§ilcharas has been gracefully rendered by the rhythmic disposition of the main curves and the subtle distribution of the miniature turrets (urugriligas) clustered all round the body of the main gikhara (milamailjari) breaking up its mass and the same time accentuating the soaring effect (pl. [...] The two or three bands of sculptures all round the exterior of the temple and outside the sanctum (antarabhitti) following the alternate projections (rathas) and recesses (saliläntara) of the walls potray besides the figures of the principal gods and godesses Ashtadikpalas (the regents of the eight quarters) apsarases and surasundaris (celestial beauties) mithunas (couples) vidgeidharas [...] Of the dikpcila figures that of Yama on the southern side of the sanctum is remarkable for its expression and the figure of the three-headed and eight-handed giva in the lower niche of the west façade is noteworthy. [...] The frieze above the lintel is carved with the figures of Navagrahas or the nine Planets and on the door-jamb are reliefs illustrating the churning of the ocean the different incarnations of Vishnu and fine scroll-work. [...] The more important groups in the niches of the upper row round the sanctum potray Brahma with his consort on the south the marriage of Siva-Parvati on the west and Vishnu with his consort on the north.