Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c10.s3: Ratanvādi
Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c10.s3
- Language
- English
Ratanvādi
c10.s3.1
At the small village, of Ratanvādi, twenty miles further up the Pravarā valley from Akolā, is the almost complete old temple of Amriteśvara, measuring sixty-one feet by thirty feet. It is built upon very nearly the same plan as that of Siddheśvara at Akolā, and, like it, has a back entrance into the shrine. Instead of the porch-like wings to the hall, we find here shallow recesses in which are perforated windows. Possibly this was necessary as a precaution against the intrusion of wild beasts, as the temple is so close to the forests and defiles of the *ghāts*, the hamlet not being itself large enough to inspire fear and respect. (Plate LXX.)
c10.s3.2
The roof of the *maṇḍapa* has disappeared, leaving the inner lining or shell of the ceiling, but the *śikhara*, over the shrine, is almost entire, and is a very ornamental one. It is of the same style as that of Gondeśvara at Sinnar.
c10.s3.3
The walls are decorated in the same manner as those of the Akolā temple, but slightly varied in detail. There were no images on the walls of the temple excepting what were in the two niches, one on either side of the shrine outside.
c10.s3.4
The temple faces the west and is dedicated to Śiva, his *liṅga* being installed in the shrine. The Nandi, as at Akolā, is placed outside, facing the back door of the shrine.