Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c42.20

c42.20

² Over 40 years ago, the author was permitted to reside for a week in the Ananda temple, as in those days other accommodation in Pagan was either unsatisfactory or unavailable There, in the benign presence of the colossal statue of the Buddha in the northern alcove, towering on its pedestal some 30 feet high, he was allowed to pass the nights, occasionally in wakeful moments to notice by the reflected light of the moon the ivory and nielloed eyes under their heavy overhanging lids ever watching over him with protective smile.