The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.84

v2.c17.84

The temple of Bhagavatī is a twofold structure, including a temple proper, and a distinct porch joined to the sanctum by a lobby. Both were built at the same time, and most elaborately sculptured in the richest and most florid style of Orissan art. The statuettes, basreliefs and floral bands on it are in every respect equal to the best of their kind to be seen in [72] Bhuvaneśvara. Its material being brick-red sandstone, much warmer in tint than that of the stone used in the erection of the Great Tower, it looks particularly rich. The temple, however, is so surrounded on every side by minor temples and dead walls that it cannot be seen to advantage from any side, and in its present position is entirely lost to observers. Some of its details have been figured in the plates annexed to the first volume of this work (See plate X, fig. 20; plate XIV, figs. 33 and 34; plate XV, figs 37 and 39; plate XVI, fig. 45). The presiding divinity of the sanctuary is the goddess Durgā mounted on a lion. Offerings of water and flowers are made to her daily, but in a perfunctory manner.