The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.9

v1.c9.9

**Tank :** The *Rājamārtaṇḍa* recommends a tank to the East or the North of the building, but I do not remember to have noticed any such within the temple enclosure in Orissa. Without, they are not only common, but seem to have been originally held as an absolute necessity. Every large temple has its appropriate tank, on whose water is largely reflected the sanctity of the presiding divinity. They are evidently due, as much to the necessity of excavating materials for the temples, as to a desire to secure an ornamental, and at the same time a most useful, appurtenance to the sanctuary. Adverting to the attention paid to tanks by the people of this country, Mr. Fergusson observes : "Indeed, there is scarcely a tank or stream in all India that is without its flight of steps, and it is seldom indeed that these are left without some adornment, or some attempt at architectural display, the proximity of water being always grateful in so hot a climate, and an especial place of favourite resort with a people so fond of washing and so cleanly in their habits as the Hindus.”⁵