History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s6.18

v1.c19.s6.18

The more modern great Saiva temple of Ekâmranâtha at Great Conjivaram possesses some first-class gopurams, though no commanding vimâna. The largest gopuram is on the south side of the outer enclosure, and has ten storeys and a large top; it was built by Krishnadeva Râya of Vijayanagar (1509-1530) and is 188 ft. high.² It has, too, a hall of about 540 columns, several large and fine mantapas, large tanks with flights of stone steps, and all the requisites of a first-class Dravidian temple, but all thrown together as if by accident. No two gopurams are opposite one another, no two walls parallel, and there is hardly a right angle about the place. All this creates a picturesqueness of effect seldom surpassed in these temples, but deprives it of that dignity we might expect from such parts if properly arranged.