History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c25.s3.9

v2.c25.s3.9

This temple differs in no respect from other temples of Vishnu found in Orissa. The architectural forms are identical; they are adorned with the same symbols. The Navagraha, or nine planetary divinities, adorned the lintel of this as of all the temples of the district. The seven-headed serpent-forms are found on every temple, from the great one at Bhuvaneswar to this one, and it is only distinguishable from those of Siva by the obscenities that disfigure a part of its sculptures. This is, unfortunately, only too common a characteristic of Vaishnava temples all over India, but is not frequent in Saiva temples. A detached mandap that stood in front of it, occupying a corresponding place to that at Mudherâ, and the fine stambha were removed to Purî, in the 18th century, by the Marâthâs; a corner of the sikhara was still standing in 1839, but within the next thirty years had disappeared; and the great lintel over the entrance to the principal hall, carved with the Navagraha, with other parts about the doorway had fallen, or were removed, and an abortive attempt was made to carry the lintel to Calcutta.