Mediaeval Temples of the Dakhan c9.s2.8

c9.s2.8

Above the shrine doorway, which is fairly well decorated, is a line of figures representing the *saptamātṛis* or the "Seven Mothers," another sculpture peculiar to Chālukyan temples, since the members of the Chālukya family were under the special guardianship of these divine, mothers. There are, eleven figures in the row. On the left side is Śiva with a standing attendant, and on the right, Gaṇapati and Śiva as Bhairava. On the dedicatory block we find the Chālukyan Gaja-Lakshmī instead of Gaṇapati who is the favourite presiding deity among the Dekhan temples. Occupying the middle of the band of mouldings, immediately above this, is Vishnu upon Śesha. On the lower inner face of the south antechamber pilaster is Brahmā, Vishnu occupying the north one. On the outer pilasters are *dvārapālas* or door-keepers. The larger female figures on the pillars have been well carved, and exhibit exceptional elegance of pose. Among the smaller figures are some of the *avatāras* of Vishnu. The interior of the shrine is perfectly plain, and a *liṅga* now occupies the centre of the floor.