Glossary · G
Gopuram
Also called gopurams, gopura
The gateway tower of a South Indian temple enclosure, tapering in many storeys and crowned by a barrel vault with finials.
See also: Prakara
Rules that use the word
The gateway outgrows the shrine. In the later temple towns of the south, raise ever taller gateways (gopurams) in the successive enclosure walls, until the outer gates dwarf the shrine at the centre.
Where it appears in the book
In the chapters South and Southeast Asia.
A feature of Hindu Temple: Dravida (South Indian) architecture.
Nearby in the glossary
Giwa · Going · Golden section · Gong · Groin · Groin vault · Grotto · Guldasta