Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c9.s2.6

c9.s2.6

The ceiling of the antechamber is flat, and is divided by deep cross bars into nine sunk squares, in each of which was a group of figures, but the central one has been destroyed. The remaining represent the *aṣṭadikpālas* or the regents of the eight points of the compass. This is a very favourite ceiling in Chālukyan temples and has been fully described in a previous volume.¹ The sculptor has, however, made a blunder in putting Agni, on his ram, in the north compartment which should have contained Kuvera, on his horse. Kuvera is probably in the wrong place in the south-east corner where Agni ought to be, but this sculpture is damaged beyond all recognition. The regents should be as follows:— N. Kuvera on the horse. S. Yama on the male buffalo. N-E. Īśa on the bull. S-W. Nirriti on a man. E. Indra on the elephant. W. Varuṇa on a makara. S-E. Agni on the ram. N-W. Vāyu on the deer.