Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.67.1

c2.67.1

The facade faces the south and is simple and severe in character [Plate I (b)]. It has four cubical pillars dividing the facade into five openings of equal size, with a second row of pillars inside the temple and in line with those of the facade. In style, the pillars are similar to those at Dalavānūr, but they have no bas-relief representation of a torana over the entrance and there is no ornamental cornice above the architrave of the facade. The cubical portions of the pillars are decorated with lotus flower medallions and floriated ornament similar in design to that appearing on the stone rails of the Amarāvati stūpa. The underside of the corbel capitals is decorated with roll ornament [Plate II (c)]. On plan, the temple consists of a rock-cut hall measuring 30' 0" in length, 15' 0" in width and 9' 0" in height. Cut into the east wall is a small sanctuary 7' 10" square and 7' 0" in height. The shrine faces the west. Cut in the centre of the floor of the sanctuary is a socket-hole, 2 feet square, for the reception of the linga, by the side of it is a second socket-hole 1 foot square, the latter being no doubt for the reception of the portrait image of Mahēndra mentioned in the inscription. The shrine is now empty. At one time, the temple was used as a powder magazine, presumably by the French, and the openings between the pillars of the facade were closed with brick walls, which have since been removed.