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beautiful projection of balconies with their elaborate ornamentation. Depending on the location of the sun, the balconies shimmer or are bathed in a soft luster, and they throw shadows that create a play of light and dark on the exquisite carvings chiseled into the exterior walls. This ongoing expression of light and dark created by the balconies is a constant reminder of the presence of dualitiesan important concept in the Vedic philosophy.
The Creation of Rhythm and Balance
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Figure 25
Exterior of the Kandariya Mahadeva
Rhythm, so important in the vastu guidelines, is built into every bit of the Kandariya Mahadeva. ''Vertical rhythm and horizontal rhythm," said Brijendra, "that's what makes a building sing." The rhythm, he explained, was factored into the design by following the vastu guidelines for appropriate proportions. All the sculptures, with their well-defined proportions, break up the surface so that every level draws our attention. And within the images of the deities, their pose, their attributes, their position on a frieze, and their placement with another deity convey important messages involving enlightenment and immortality.

 
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