A shikhara is a towering, often ornate spire or peak that rises above the sanctum of a Hindu temple, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine. Typically found in North Indian temple architecture, it represents the sacred mountain, Mount Meru, believed to be the axis of the universe in Hindu cosmology. The design and height of the shikhara can vary, but it plays a crucial role in distinguishing different temple styles and their architectural significance.
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