Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c28.31

c28.31

But except for its impressive proportions, the architectural effect of this temple is disappointing, as in its treatment it is merely an arid replica of its predecessor at Bhubaneswar Much of its inferiority is however due to certain extensive renovations which became necessary a century or more ago, when the original stone masonry decayed, owing probably to centuries of action by the sea air. Unfortunately these restorations appear to have been effected by means of solid applications of cement, which have made its close appearance heavy and lifeless, a mere hulk of what it was when first conceived. Yet in spite of its cement overlay, the tower still retains its imposing mass from which it is possible to see that Orissan architecture continued to be a moving and living art This is shown by the improved shape noticeable in its contours generally, and specifically by the overhang of the shoulder, which in this instance has been reduced to a more graceful line, giving its profile additional refinement and balance. As already mentioned two of the halls of the temple were added at a later date, and the ornamentation which so profusely adorns these structures is stiff and stylized, clearly implying a period when the style had begun to decline One of the halls, the nat mandir, a large building of some 80 feet side, has its ceiling supported by as many as 16 pillars in 4 rows of 4 each, the only real example of a hypostyle hall in Orissa.