Jālandhara with rhombus-shaped perforations
Jālandhara with rhombus-shaped perforations
The image shows one of the jālandharas (perforated stone windows) installed in the wall surrounding the sabhamantapa and garbhagriha of the Durga Temple at Aihole in Karnataka, India. Cut into the stone window is a repetitive pattern of a flower with four petals with perforations forming rhombus-like shapes. The other jālandharas have different patterns, some of which are sacred symbols, and the others are aesthetically pleasing. The purpose of the jālandharas is to provide ventilation and light into the interior. They also improve aesthetics when the perforations form beautiful patterns.
The jālandhara shown in the image is on the south side of the pradakshina patha (clockwise circumambulation path) and is between two devakoshtas (niches), which are, Shiva with his vehicle Nandi and Narasimhavatara, the fourth avatar of Vishnu.
The jālandhara is a unique element of the Dravida-style architecture and is a common feature in many Chalukya and Hoysala temples.
Here is the list of the jālandharas installed in the clockwise direction:
South Corridor
1. Southeast – Jālandhara carved with the swastika and lotus flower patterns
2. South – Jālandhara with rhombus perforations – Current image
3. Southwest – Jālandhara carved with a Dharmachakra (8-spokes)
North Corridor
4. Northwest – Jālandhara carved with a Dharmachakra (12-spokes)
5. Northeast – Jālandhara with square perforations
Related Pages
– Durga Temple at Aihole
– Badami, Cave – 1, Cave – 2, Cave – 3, Cave – 4
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art
– Hampi Virupaksha Temple Murals
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