Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c27.21

c27.21

A very comprehensive idea of the formation of this grand temple-complex may be obtained by ascending the eastern gopuram, as from its elevation the entire plan is laid at one's feet. Here it is possible to trace out all the different mandapams, which combined, present a wide expanse of uninspiring flat roofs, with here and there a golden cupola asserting itself to indicate the position of some specially sacred shrine. Towards the centre of the scheme the innermost sanctuary may be recognized by its apsidal vault of gold, while nearer the main southern entrance is another larger cupola, marking the Garuda shrine within the third enclosure. Attached to this Garuda mandapa on its eastern side lies the Surya-pushkarani, the Pool of the Sun, and within the same enclosure, but at its northern end and identified by its curved shape is the Chandra-pushkarani or Pool of the Moon. On the opposite side of the temple from the spectator, in the distance, may be discerned two fair sized gopurams one behind the other, the western counterpart of those on the side from which the spectator is taking his stand. Some distance in front of these, within the third *prakaram* on its western side, five cylindrical structures are visible, which, together with other large erections in their vicinity are buildings used as granaries, as much of this portion of the temple is reserved for storing and suchlike purposes. Except for the fact that from this high standpoint the general disposition of the temple is made intelligible, there is little of interest in its succession of flat roofs, but following the axial line to the north and south, the view of the long series of gopurams already mentioned is impressive, the distant ones losing themselves among the roofs of the surrounding houses and palm trees. Of these thirteen gateways at least six are notable for their size, while the two unfinished examples at the far end, one of which on the south has a considerable portion of its lower storeys erected, were intended to be of colossal proportions.