Latina (architecture)
Encyclopedia
Latina is the most common type northern Indian Sikhara
(tower or spire
on top of a shrine
), comprising a single curvilinear projection formed by superimposing horizontal slabs of stone. The two variant and more elaborate northern Indian towers; the Sekhari
and the Bhumija
towers are based on the Latina plan.
Sikhara
Śikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to "mountain peak", refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India. Sikhara over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of a Hindu temple of North India.In south...
(tower or spire
Spire
A spire is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building, particularly a church tower. Etymologically, the word is derived from the Old English word spir, meaning a sprout, shoot, or stalk of grass....
on top of a shrine
Shrine
A shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated....
), comprising a single curvilinear projection formed by superimposing horizontal slabs of stone. The two variant and more elaborate northern Indian towers; the Sekhari
Sekhari (architecture)
Sekhari is a type northern Indian Sikhara which comprises a central latina spire with one or more rows of half spires added on all sides.-References:**...
and the Bhumija
Bhumija (architecture)
Bhumija is a variety of northern Indian Sikhara that is particularly popular in temples of western India, northern Deccan and the Malwa regions in India. It comprises a central latina projection, tapering towards the top on all four faces...
towers are based on the Latina plan.