The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c14.s2.10

c14.s2.10

This is a double temple, that is, it has a second shrine facing the main building on the east, but separated from it by a raised platform, which was, perhaps, at one time, an open hall roofed over. This style of double temple is not frequently met with. This small shrine has been dedicated to Sūrya-Nārāyaṇa, but it faces west instead of east as is customary with Sūrya temples. On the dedicatory block of the doorway is Gaja-Lakṣmī, but above her is Sūrya in his top boots with his seven steeds below him, while, on either side, are pairs of female *chauri* bearers, and, beyond these, one on either side, are his two wives, Saṅgnā and Chhāyā, each with her bow. The throne for an image of Sūrya, upon which are his seven horses, lies in the hall of the main temple. This was probably in the shrine of the smaller temple originally.