The lowest layer is Hamsa, the mythical sacred bird found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Above it is a layer of dancers and musicians. Then Gavaksha layer to separate the structural sections. Above it are soldiers, each uniquely carved.
<ul><li>There are layers below the Hamsa layer which symbolizes the human mind and celestial creatures. These would be Makara layer – another mythical animal with peacock flowery tail + elephant or lion body + crocodile head + sometimes with a boar like feature. It symbolizes creatures of water + on land + inside land + trees. Below this, a platform may have vine and flower motifs, geometric patterns, a layer of Gaja (elephants) and others.</li></ul>
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ms_Sarah_Welch" title="User:Ms Sarah Welch">Ms Sarah Welch</a>
<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>