The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.7

v1.c9.7

Where a commanding situation was not available, or from other causes, an urban site was deemed necessary, they cleared out the place selected so as to have sufficient space round the proposed temple, and to keep it perfectly unencumbered and detached. The same rule was also laid down, though probably not always observed, in regard to private dwellings. With a clear eye to effect it was also ordained that temples and houses should not be placed on any one corner or side of the area selected, or on its exact centre, but so located as to leave more space in front than behind. The space on the sides should be equal. According to the *Vṛhad-rāja-mārtaṇḍa*, the building should not cover more than one-ninth of the total space ;⁴ but other authorities are less imperative. The *Hayaśīrṣa Pañcarātra* condemns the sinner who ventures to build in close proximity to an existing temple. In Orissa these rules were formerly strictly observed, and the temples were so built as to leave lots of open space all round, more in front than on the sides. The desire, however, of dedicating temples on spots hallowed by the sanctity of ages, and the cupidity of the officiating priests, have, in later days, completely set those rules at naught, and the court-yards of temples are now so crowded with numberless structures of various kinds and qualities, that it is often difficult to get a clear and complete view of the principal edifices from any one side, and their aesthetic effect is completely destroyed. At Bhuvaneśvara some of the finest carvings and sculptures are completely covered by dead walls and thatched huts.