The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c29.s2.1

c29.s2.1

Some of the best work in this group is to be found in the neighbouring small temple of Sarasvatī, the goddess of learning, which stands on the south side of Trikūṭeśvara and close to it, facing north. On the outside of the temple there is not much calling for special notice beyond the remains of a very neat basement round the hall, but the pillars within claim particular attention, since they are most beautiful specimens of Cālukyan work. The four central ones, supporting the beams of the central compartment of the ceiling of the open hall, are of one pattern, the rest being in pairs. These four rise straight from the floor to the roof; the others stand upon the surrounding low wall or seat. Each of the central pillars is moulded from the ground to about half way up the shaft with the same horizontal mouldings as are usually found on the basement of the walls of richly-finished shrines. The shaft rises from a square with recessed corners to an octagon and thence to the round at the thinnest part of the shaft, near the neck below the capital. The lower member of the capital is a flattened disc, surmounted by a larger spreading octagonal member. All the mouldings, up to the capital, are profusely decorated. The facets on the bases and the octagonal sides have well-cut little figures, but these have been much injured. The little groups on the octagon represent the aṣṭadikpālas, which are so often repeated, in some way or another, in these temples. The hanging festoon of beads, above these, is also a favourite bit of detail, which is very elegant and appropriate to its position. The bracket, above the capital, which supports the ends of the cross beams, is also richly wrought; and the little square flower, with the deep incisions between each, makes, when repeated as it is here, an exceedingly neat string course ornament (Plate CXVIII).