Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.39

c23.39

There was however considerably more in the formation of the Shore temple than the central buildings described above, as these were surrounded by an outer rectangular enclosure containing many interesting features. (Plate LXIII, Fig 2) In the first place it seems evident that portions of the ground plan of the enclosure consisted of a system of shallow cisterns, which could be flooded on occasion, so that it resolves itself into a type of water temple. Some of the conduits and receptacles may still be traced, and it is clear that they constituted an essential part of the lay-out. The water to feed this system was brought by a canal and conveyed by sluices throughout the building, any overflow being carried down a rocky cascade in the rear of the shrine and into the sea. The surrounding wall was an imposing structure, its parapet and coping crowned by figures of kneeling bulls, while at close intervals all round the exterior projected boldly carved lion pilasters; on the western side admission was obtained through a richly ornamented doorway. This doorway was the main entrance and led into a corridor one side of which was formed by the inner face of the enclosure wall, the other by a large rectangular building, probably an outer mandapa, but only the foundations remain. Halfway along each of the long sides of the corridor, there was a pillared arcade containing an altar, possibly provided for Nāga worship, as all the courts and passages around could be filled with water. A feature of this corridor was a series of carved panels on the side walls, each containing a figure-subject illustrating some striking mythological episode—a picture gallery in stone.