Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c37.29

c37.29

The remaining example of this class, and of approximately the same date as the foregoing, is the temple of Mallikarjuna at Kuruvatti, a village on the Tungabhadra river, about seventeen miles west of the taluk headquarters of Harpanahalli. With a perfectly symmetrical plan, its sikhara quite complete, and its roof in tolerable condition, in many respects it may be regarded as a standard example of its kind. The length of the temple building itself is 38 feet, and its width, with the two entrance porches one on each side, is 36 feet, while its sikhara is 44 feet in height. If, however, the large *nandi* pavilion on its eastern front is included the whole composition is some 130 feet in length The architectural treatment of the entire structure is of the same order as that of the buildings previously described, although, as a whole the decoration on its surfaces is less congested, and there is more restraint in the distribution of the motifs which enrich its walls both inside and out. Across the entrance to the vestibule of the inner shrine there is a *toran* or archway consisting of a massive lintel on two free-standing pillars, each portion elaborately carved, while the bracket figures at the upper part of the pillars are more delicately sculptured than in any other example.