Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c27.22

c27.22

The temple of this type which has the finest architectural interior is that of Jambukeswara, situated within a mile of the previous example of Srirangam, and laid out on much the same pattern, but considerably smaller in size. It consists of four concentric enclosures, the two outer being open *prakarams* while the two inner are covered courts. The principal entrance is by a gopuram on the east, leading to a pillared avenue passing through a large hypostyle hall with one hundred and twelve pillars on either side. To the right beyond this intricacy of columns is a spacious pool, surrounded by a tall double-storied arcade. Continuing along the main approach, and passing through a gopuram with a pillared portico projecting on each side of its doorway, the second enclosure is entered. Opposite lies the doorway which leads to the covered portion of the scheme, and it is from this entrance that the finest portion of the architectural effect may be observed. The doorway opens on to one arm of a cross formed by avenues of columns, the intersection of the arms widening out into a capacious square court or central hall. Within this are four immense square piers, one at each corner of a square, leaving an open space or "crossing" in the centre for the four symbols of the creed, the *lingam*, *nandi* (bull), *dwajastambha* (flag-staff) and *balipatam* (sacred jewel). Massive as are the solid shafts of these piers, ornamented with a triple pilaster on each face, their capitals and superstructures are even more stupendous, as they spread out like inverted pyramids into a phenomenal width. Around this central group of piers at some distance from them are the ranges of pillars forming the outer edge of the central court, a kind of pillared facade with receding avenues of pillars in their rear. This large and dignified composition of nave, aisles, and transepts, is the prelude to the innermost court containing the shrine, the doorways being on its further side beyond which admission is limited to Hindus only. No Dravidian temple interior of this period gives a better idea of the style at its best than the large central court of Jambukeswar. (Plate LXXVIII, Fig 1).