Gopuram
A Gopura (singular) (Sanskrit: गोपुर) or Gopuram (plural) is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple, especially in Southern India. A temple may have multiple gopurams, typically constructed into multiple walls in tiers around the main shrine. The temple's walls are typically square with the outer most wall having four gopura-vimanas, one each on every side, situated exactly in the center of each wall. The sanctum, sanctorum and its towering roof (the central deity's shrine) are also called the vimanam. Gopurams are exquisitely decorated with sculpture and carvings and painted with a variety of theme. The form began rather modestly in the 10th century, as at Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, with the 11th century Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, marking a crucial step forward with two multi-storey gopurams from that period, much larger than any earlier ones, though much smaller than the main tower of the temple. The four gopurams of the