Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c10.s2.6

c10.s2.6

The whole of the roofing of the temple, excepting the ceiling of the eastern porch, is of late work from the beams upwards. When these repairs were carried out the walls were "pointed" with mortar where no mortar existed before; and these raw white lines do not improve the appearance of the building. Five roughly-shaped columns, shewn in the plan in hatched lines, have been inserted to support cracked beams. The small pillars, placed between the four large ones, and in the middle of the sides of the north and south extensions, are seemingly original and in their original positions. The inner faces of the beams, in the central bay of the hall ceiling, are sculptured with bands of figures in relief. Upon the east beam the churning of the ocean is portrayed. Holding on to the tail of the serpent are twelve male figures, while but one male figure holds the head, beyond which are three female figures seated, and a horse and an elephant, the products of the churning. Between the three female figures and the man who holds the elephant, is an unoccupied stool towards which the female figures turn in an attitude of supplication. Over the west beam is Vishnu on Sesha, with four Nāga figures on one side and five on the other, while, beyond them, stand men in rows holding garlands. On the south beam is a battle scene with horses and elephants and camels.¹ Upon the north beam is a procession, in which the principal figure is carried in a pālki, with horsemen and elephant before, and a file of men with swords and shields behind. On either side of the antechamber is a deep framed niche, now empty. Except for these the walls of the temple inside are quite plain.