KVPT’s Patan Darbar Earthquake Response Campaign - Work to Date - September 2016

South Mandapa
Capital-bracket (metha)
One of the eight capital-brackets (metha) crowning the
pillars on the four sides. On the outside, the central
panels (measuring 11.5–13) enclose Kirtimukha’s face
(fig.16), on the inner side fully opened lotus flowers in
an almost perfect circle (fig. 17), as usual slightly broader
than high.
The projecting bracket-like ends of the capital are defined
by a variation of a volute with a pair of circular
cushion-like elements featuring circular lotus blossoms.
A band of beads encloses dynamic scrollwork of lotus
vine.
Pillar (Opposite)
The stylized double roof moulding at the top of a pillar,
incorporating Kirtimukha (fig. 15).
The double roof mouldings at the top, bottom and at
the upper third of the column incorporate rectangular
panels featuring foliage, scrollwork, a fully opened lotus
flower, a peacock, a gander facing a snake, hybrid
creatures, a bust of a godling, or unidentified deities
in niches. Only one panel at the top encorporates Kirtimukha’s
face with its usual features: Upright ears with
bent horns, cheeks with borders of curls, distinct corners
of the mouth, revealing seven teeth. The mouth spouts
forth foliage on each side and a central foliated pendant.
Unusual is the fiery top above the horns. Ten curved
strands hover above the head, framing a foliated central
motif.
16 and 17
South Mandapa
Both sides of a capital-bracket
(metha) with Kirtimukha and
lotus.
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