Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.98

c2.98

On the southern side of the same hill are two more small excavations which may be conveniently numbered two and three as they possess no local names. Number 2 is a very small affair, consisting of a porch 18′ 3″ × 19′ 9″ with two square pillars in the entrance and a little square shrine cut in the back wall measuring 7′ 4″ × 7′ 7″ and facing the south [Plate VI (d)]. It contains nothing of any interest. Number 3 is a little larger than the last and more interesting as it contains an object of worship which, however, does not receive any attention at the present day. The temple consists of a small rock-cut hall measuring 12′ 9″ × 15′, with two cubical pillars in front dividing the facade into three narrow openings. It has a heavy curved projecting cornice decorated with the dormer window ornament, the latter having spade-shaped finials similar to those appearing in the Pallava temple at Dalavānūr in the South Arcot district. Above and at the back of the cornice extending the entire length of the facade are two flat horizontal bands or fillets. Projecting from the lower band, which is wider and deeper than the upper, are two little square-headed projections simulating the heads of wooden beams supporting the flat roof over the hall. This curious feature also appears in the facades of the temples at Dalavānūr and Pallāvaram, which were both executed during the reign of the great Mahēndra. The cornice, the horizontal bands above it and the cubical pillars are all executed in the typical early Pallava style. On plan too, the temple closely resembles that of the Dalavānūr temple except that the latter has the main entrance at the side instead of in front. [Plate VII (a) and Plate VIII (a)].