Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c10.s3.1

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.)