The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.87

v2.c17.87

**Bhoga Mandapa :**—The Tower includes a suite of four buildings standing in file. The foremost of these is called *Bhoga Maṇḍapa* or the refectory; next, the Nāṭ Mandir or dancing hall; then the *Mohan* or the porch; and lastly the *Dewul* or the temple proper (Plate XLVIII). Of these the last two were built at the same time, and in a style quite different from the other two which were built long after, but at different times, and on different plans. The foremost building, was erected during the reign of Kamala Keśarī between the years 792 to 811 A. D. It was originally designed as an open pillared chaultry, for the reading of the scriptures and the delivery of lectures and sermons by learned paṇḍits. It stands on a ground-plot 60 feet square, of which two feet all round form a berm two feet broad and 3 feet high. The top of this berm is paved with stones, and the sides, forming the plinth of the whole structure, are most elaborately sculptured in low relief. The surface is divided into panels by intervening pilasters, and filled up with the images of men, women, animals, temples and bouquets ; some of the representations being disgustingly obscene. Above the plinth, there is a broad ornamental band set off with the images of lines of pigeons, geese, ducks, horses, elephants, cattle and camels, very spiritedly carved in good relief. These, however, had never been completely finished. In several places the outlines are all that were punched, but not worked out. Some of the panels also bear indications of the same fact.