History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s6.11

v1.c19.s6.11

of the court, and with a bull or Nandi and an elephant placed alternately between the spires. On the fronts next the court these cells have each two pillars supported by rampant Vyâlis or horned lions in varied attitudes. The attached pillars at the corners of the cells round the main shrine are similarly supported; and the outer walls are ornamented by scores of pilasters, supported by the same conventionalised animals with riders on them. On the west side is a gopuram or gateway with a tower over it, but the entrance is blocked up—that on the east being alone used now. The roof of the old mantapam has been destroyed, but the style of the temple may be understood from the Plate No. IX., which, as was to be expected, is the same as that of the Mâmallapuram Raths, already described, and gives us a typical example of the Dravidian style about @H A.D. 680.