The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.82

v2.c17.82

On the west side from the middle to about half way to the corner of the courtyard there is, on either side, a large temple of the usual Orissan style and designed for a *liṅgam*. Though now entirely neglected, they are still in a fair state of preservation (see plate XXXI). Close by these there are several small temples, and the courtyard generally is studded by a large number of temples varying in height from 6 to 30 feet, and built in different styles, some with pointed, others with flat roof, but of no importance either historically or as works of art. One of them, however, is worthy of note, as it is probably the oldest building in the courtyard, considerably older than even the Great Tower. It is a plain, modest-looking structure, about 20 feet high, with an inside area of six feet a side, and having the stump of a sandstone pillar doing duty for a *liṅgam*. The room is five feet six inches below the level of the courtyard, and it shows that the level of the ground round about the Great Tower must have been much lower, and must have been raised to its present height when the Tower was erected. Under ordinary circumstances, it would have been easy to demolish the little structure when the big one was set up, or to renew it on a higher level; but, according to the Śāstras, a *liṅgam*, once fixed to the ground, should never be removed; for such removal would be tantamount to the destruction of all sanctity in the *liṅgam* and an act of the grossest desecration. It is usual, therefore, in every part of India, never to disturb a *liṅgam*; and as the one under notice was probably held to be of great sanctity, it had to be allowed to remain in its place, though the ground outside its fane was raised and the arrangement of the place completely changed. The chamber of the temple is now accessible by a flight of three steps.