The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c11.s2.2

c11.s2.2

Though, at first sight, this temple looks very different to Virūpāksha, it will be found that the difference is almost entirely confined to its tower. The plan is but a modification of that of its neighbour. The space between the sixteen-pillared hall of Virūpāksha and its shrine, including the intermediate two pillars, is, in this one, amplified into a small inner hall with four pillars. This is the only difference of any account, a difference which might occur between any two purely Dravidian temples; in fact, it will be found to be a nearer approach to the plan of Kailāsanātha at Conjevaram than Virūpāksha.¹ The walls, outside, are practically the same as in Virūpāksha, a variation in the arrangement of the sculpture panels alone being made. The basement mouldings are the same in both, and so are the cornices and the mouldings above them. A Dravidian tower in place of the present one would not look at all strange. It is, therefore, unnecessary to describe these temples with northern spires, as found in these districts, as a class apart from the others (Plates XLIX, L and LIII).