Nagara

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Scope note
A style of temple of northern India. Characterized in the early version by offsets (bhadra) projecting as cardinal niches from the cubic cella; the niches usually contained images of the sanctum's divinity. A curvilinear tower carried the offsets upward to a topmost altar (uttaravedi) with a crowning amalaka; during consecration a finial carved as a lustration pot, sometimes with foliage, was placed on top of the amalaka. Niches with guardian dieties (dikpalas) were placed at the corners and more offsets were added. The style developed in the 6th century; the word literally means "pertaining to the city," possibly revealing the origins of the form. Various regional forms developed out of this basic style, also called "latina" because of the vertical creepers or latas. Multi-spired forms were increasingly popular from the 11th century.
Nagara
Accepted term: 01-Dec-2025