Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.36

c23.36

Owing to its unusual position, and also to the intention of its creators, the plan of the Shore temple is not according to custom The underlying idea was that the cella should face eastwards overlooking the sea, so that the shrine might be illuminated by the first rays of the rising sun, as well as being plainly observable to those approaching the harbour in ships For it was a landmark by day and a beacon by night, as out amongst the breakers still rises a stone pillar on which a lamp would be placed to shine across the waters and guide the mariner to his anchorage. Such an arrangement, however, with the cella actually on the ocean's brim, left no room for a forecourt or assembly hall, and not even for an entrance gateway, all of which had to be placed at the rear of the shrine. In this instance therefore the central building is surrounded by a massive enclosure wall, entry being obtained through the western side of the courtyard which was left entirely open. But quite early in its production this simple scheme was complicated by two additional shrines being attached, rather unsymmetrically, to its western end, one of which provides the smaller spire, as well as what at first sight appears to be the main entrance. It is these two supplementary shrines which have converted the Shore temple into a double towered monument, unconventional in its grouping, and a little difficult to comprehend.