A Note on Vimaana

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The term VIMAANA has various interpretations. For our purposes it refers to the TOWER or SHIKHARA above the sanctum. The body of a VIMAANA is complex and multi-layered and they rise up in six stages. Each layer is called a VARGA.
While the sculptures on the DWAARA GOPURAS could house any subject, the VIMAANA has to be austere and can carry only the prescribed divinities associated with the presiding deity of the temple.
The crowning glory of the VIMANA is called KALASHA ( ಕಲಶ ). The KALASHA is not imbedded into the structure by packing it with mortar or cement but placed in position by a hollow rod that juts out of the centre of the tower. There are several symbolisms associated with KALASHA.

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