The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c20.s1.3

c20.s1.3

This temple is very similar in plan to the temple in the fort at Baṅkāpur and is probably of about the same date. The roof of the great hall is supported upon fifty-two pillars, and joined to it in front, as an extension, is the *Nandi* pavilion upon twelve pillars. Both of these have low pyramidal stepped-out roofs, that of the main hall being the outer shell of the great dome already described. The hall and pavilion are surrounded by the same heavy cornice that we found round the porches of the temple at Chaudadāmpur, and which is also found at Baṅkāpur and Kundgol. The pillars are of the regular Chālukyan type, many of them having the round turned shafts so characteristic of this period (Plate XCI). In front of the great hall, and leaning against the basement outside, are three very fine memorial stones depicting battle scenes and the death of a hero. A separate account of these memorial stones is given further on (see Plate CLVI).