The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c18.18

v2.c18.18

‘Of the Great Temple at the place, Abul Fazl gives the following account: ‘Near to Jaganaut is the temple of the sun, in the erecting of which was expended the whole revenue of Orissa for twelve years. No one can behold this immense edifice without being struck with amazement. The wall which surrounds the whole is one hundred and fifty cubits high and nineteen cubic thick. There are three entrances to it. At the eastern gate are two very fine figures of elephants each with a man up his trunk. To the west are two surprising figures of horsemen, completely armed; and over the northern gate are carved two tigers, who having killed two elephants, are sitting upon them. In the front of the gate is a pillar of black stone,⁴ of an octagonal form, fifty cubits high. There are nine flights of steps; after ascending which you come into an extensive enclosure, where you discover a large dome, constrcted of stone, upon which are carved the sun and stars, and round them is a border, where are represented a variety of human figures expressing the different passions of the mind; some kneeling, others prostrated with their faces upon the earth; together with minstrels, and a number of strange and wonderful animals, such as never existed but in imagination. This is said to be a work of seven hundred and thirty years’ antiquity. Rajah Nursing Deo finished this building, thereby erecting for himself a lasting monument of fame. There are twenty-eight other temples belonging to this pagoda, six before the northern gate and twenty-two without the enclosure; and they are all reported to have performed miracles’⁵.