Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c43.43

c43.43

A stairway, continuing the axial line of the portico ascends to the second terrace, which consists of a platform raised approximately double the height of the first, and contained within another enclosure of pillared corridors having towers (sikharas) at each corner, the whole forming a rectangle of 185 feet by 200 feet side Above this a third terrace rises, approached by a long and steep flight of steps, for the height of this uppermost story is again twice that of the one below and which supports it. At each angle of this terrace, the inner space of which is a square of 130 feet side, is a sikhara, while in the centre is a cella for the accommodation of the deity, above which soars the tall central spire, bringing the total height of the whole structure from the ground to the golden lotus pinnacle to 210 feet.