South Gopura, Enclosure 5

Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam

Gopuras, like the temple towers themselves, symbolize sacred mountains, the habitations of the gods. Architectural forms on the roof fit naturally into this scheme, representing palaces, pavilions, and temples where gods and heroes can disport and display themselves. In the present series of gopuras, two types of roof decoration can be seen to alternate. The south gopura of enclosure 5, like those of enclosures 7 and 3, seems to emphasise the vertical, with strong unelaborated columns predominating. The even-enclosure south gopuras, by contrast, have a horizontal feel and are elaborately decorated.