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Balconies are built into three sides of the temple. The perfect alignment and size of the balconies creates balance and harmonya balance that is matched by the majestic design of the forward projections of the portico-styled entrance. There is nothing jarring about the aesthetics of this temple. It reflects the brilliance of the vastu guidelines, which the architects complemented with their stupendous talent.
Rhythm of the Shikharas
The Kandariya Mahadeva, which sits on a wide platform, has five sections that are joined together. The individual roofs on the mukha-mandapa (entrance portico), the mandapa (initial compartment), and the maha-mandapa (enclosed hall) are each constructed in a pyramidal shape that includes a cluster of ascending and descending peaks. The roofs on the next two sections, the antarala (vestibule) and the sacred garbhagriha (womb chamber) or inner sanctum, are shikharas, with a mass of rounded spires that continue the upward thrust and reinforce the rising and descending principle that is seen in mountains.
Not only is there an accumulation of rising peaks, but the rising peaks on each roof are also subtly and slowly inclined toward the highest spire. The cumulative effect of this rhythmic design brings all the peaks together to create a superb lyricismmusic frozen into form. The soaring effect of these eighty-four peaks, graduating upward to the crowning gold finial atop the highest spire, also create such a sense of verticality that it makes the temple seem much taller than its 110 feet (which includes the height of the platform base).
Another feeling of rhythm is accentuated in the horizontal bands of carvings that go around the entire temple. They bind together each roof and each part of the temple so that the structure is cohesive, visually and philosophically. The horizontal bands reinforce the "oneness" of this perfect three-dimensional formthe oneness between us and That.
A visit to a temple constructed according to the vastu purusha mandala reminds us every step of the way that we are on a path to the ultimate goal.

 
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