The ancient and medieval architecture of India: a study of Indo-Aryan civilisation

THE THREE ASPECTS 109

onetemple. Thus the mandapamof a templewillsymbolise

Sivain its

constructive

principle

;

the shrine itselfwith four

doors

will symboliseBrahmi;

while

theimageandthe

sikhara

which covers the shrine will symbolise Vishnu. The

north

andsouthaspects and the intermediate pointsalsohave

their

special dedications.