The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c34.s2: The Temple Near the Barracks
The Chālukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c34.s2
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The Temple Near the Barracks
c34.s2.1
All that remains of this temple is the closed hall; the shrine, antechamber, porches and outer hall, if it had one, have disappeared. When British troops were first quartered in the fort this building appears to have had another room added to it, where the shrine once stood, and was thus, with other additions, converted into a Sergeants’ Mess with this cryptic label attached, “ Qrs. No. 2 ”. The interior was then whitewashed, but the beautifully moulded pillars and a finely-carved antechamber doorway were spared that degradation. The outside walls are moulded in much the same simple style as the Jaina temples just described, while the doorways are fully decorated. There are indications of porches which stood before the north and south doorways and a porch or outer hall before the eastern door (Plate CXXXV).
c34.s2.2
There are four fine pillars within, of the style of those at Dēgāmve, but of better proportions and finer detail. In the walls are elaborately framed niches for images which are now empty.
c34.s2.3
The inner doorway, which was that leading into the antechamber when that existed, is very richly sculptured. There is a splendid architrave above it, whereon are sculptured the three gods Brahmā, Śiva and Viṣṇu, Śiva occupying the centre in his tāṇḍava form. Between them are dancing figures and musicians, together with little images of dēvīs. On the dedicatory block is Gaṇeśa, who is generally found in this position of honour in later Śaiva temples, and more especially in those further north. Upon the pilasters of the door jambs, one on either side, are Brahmā and Viṣṇu. Beyond the pilasters is a vertical narrow band of perforated scroll work (Plate CXXXVI).