History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c33.s19: Chandi Jabang.

v2.c33.s19.1

About 18 miles due east of Boro-Budur is a temple known as Chandi Jabang (Plate LII.) the plan of which is circular, with rectangular projecting bays facing the cardinal points, and raised on a lofty substructure consisting of a double podium, square on plan, with projections in the centre of each face. Above the cell were probably five storeys, of which parts of the two lower ones only remain. In front of each bay are projecting doorways enriched with sculpture and surmounted by a huge gorgon mask. The lower podium is richly carved, with a running frieze representing lions with serpent’s tails along the upper part of the plinth. The entrance doorway faced west and was approached by an extremely steep flight of steps, now much ruined. The merging of the upper circular portion of the structure into the lower rectangular substructure is a remarkably fine piece of design which, omitting the gorgon masks, might pass as a classical conception of exceptional quality.