Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c21.s3.t2.78

v2.c21.s3.t2.78

The elevation of the basement is somewhat complex, consisting of a large number of plain courses and ogee mouldings. On the corners and the middle of the wall of the temple, as well as on two sides of the doorway, are decorated pilasters supporting richly ornamented and well-proportioned human figures, most probably divine beings. Sunken panels between these pilasters are decorated by medallions with animal and foliage reliefs. Waving bodies of serpents, reaching as high as the cornice, and down as far as the top of the panels, surround the temple-walls on all sides, and are supported by the figures on the pilasters. It forms a very characteristic feature of the temple and reminds us of the waving garland motive of the Indian art. The staircase is enclosed between massive stone-rails with spiral ends. These are decorated with triangular reliefs and on two sides of it are the usual corner-structures.