Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.61

c2.61

in circumference. The linga is fixed in a yoni pedestal of the usual type which measures 6' 2" in length. Down the front of the linga two narrow vertical lines are cut in the stone. Both the linga and yoni pedestal are detached stones and are not monolithic like the rest of the temple and its ornamentation. Since the facade and entrance hall face the south [Plate I (a) ] and in order that the linga should face the east, the little shrine chamber has been excavated in the west wall of the main hall with its doorway facing the east [Plate I (c) ]. On each side of this doorway are two doorkeepers or dvāra-pālas in high relief, one on each side of the entrance. They are standing figures facing the spectator, with lofty headdresses and each is shown with one hand raised to the head in the act of adoration [Plate II (a) ]. In front of the shrine are two pillars about two feet square in section with corbel capitals, rising seven feet in height from the floor and forming a little porch leading into the sanctuary. The bracket capitals support cross beams carved out of the natural rock forming the roof over the main hall. The latter, including the little porch just mentioned, is a rectangular chamber measuring 21' 10" long, 19' wide and is 8' 10" in height. In the centre of the facade are two handsome pillars with corresponding pilasters at each end of the facade dividing the latter into three openings of equal size for admitting light and air into the interior of the temple. The central opening forms the entrance and has an unfinished flight of steps leading up to it. The floor of the hall is about four feet above the level of the natural ground which tends to heighten the effect of the facade. On each side of the two pilasters at the ends of the facade and facing the south, are two large crudely carved figures about six feet in height representing doorkeepers standing in large panels similar in shape to the three openings in the facade. The one on the left or western end of the facade is depicted with the left hand raised in adoration, and is a similar figure to the one on the left side of the shrine doorway mentioned above. The one on the eastern side of the facade is depicted resting the right hand on a huge club.