Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c13.s5.8

c13.s5.8

Almost due west of the lake is No. 7. It is of the same style as the last two, but almost twice as large and equally ruined. The temple faces east and has a *liṅga* in the shrine. During a late famine one or two rough pits were dug near by for water, which now contain a quantity, so foul-smelling and stagnant, that it is almost impossible to stand within fifty yards of them. This is probably due to the salt in the water that has percolated through from the lake, and which is supposed to be the blood and decomposed flesh of the giant Lavaṇāsura who was slain and buried in this den of his. The smell is strong corroboration of the story! Around the temple is a fine grove of banyan, tamarind, and custard apple trees, and palm tree stumps.