Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.95

c2.95

The second temple is known locally as the Akkanna Mādanna Mandapa and is situated about 300 yards to the north of the one just described and higher up the slope of the hill. It is the largest and best rock-cut temple at Bezwada [Plate V (d)]. It is a triple-celled temple with a pillared hall or verandah in front and faces the east. The hall measures 48' 4" in length and 29' 4" in width and has twelve octagonal pillars which have neither capitals nor bases [Plate VI (b)]. The temple is free from ornamental mouldings or sculptural figures and the three small shrine cells are empty and unfinished. The latter indicate that the temple was dedicated to the three gods of the Hindu Triad, the central cell, which is a little bigger than the other two flanking it, having probably contained the Siva linga. The plan of the building is similar to that of the Pallava temple at Mandagapattu in the South Arcot district, except that the hall of the latter is not so large. The octagonal pillars are peculiar and quite unlike those usually found in Pallava temples anywhere. It contains no inscriptions so its origin is uncertain. However, the plan of the temple seems to indicate that it is a Pallava monument, a triple celled shrine dedicated to the Hindu Triad being one of the commonest types of plans of early Pallava temples.