History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s8.5

v1.c19.s8.5

The nucleus here was a small village temple (Woodcut No. 216), drawn to the same scale as the plan of Tanjor in Woodcut No. 212. It is a double shrine, dedicated to Valmikesvara or Siva and his consort, standing in a cloistered court which measures 191 ft. by 156 ft. over all, and has one gopuram in front. On the south is a shrine of Tyâgarâja-swâmi. The central shrine is said to belong to the early years of the 15th century; but there are some defaced inscriptions of Râjarâja I. and Râjendra Chola (A.D. 985-1018) on the small shrine of Achalesvara, which may be the oldest portion now existing; otherwise there is nothing to distinguish it from the ordinary temples found in every village. It, however, at some subsequent period became sacred or rich, and a second court was added, measuring about 470 ft. each way, with two gopurams, higher than the original one, and containing within its walls numberless little shrines and porches. Additions