A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c21.103

c21.103

The construction of the Jagannāth at Puri was begun about 1100 by Anantavarman Chodaganga but was not completed till much later. It is built on the same plan as the Lingarāja and consists of four parts in one alignment. The extreme length is 310 feet and the width 80 feet. The tower is nearly 200 feet high. As it stands on an eminence, the temple with its soaring śikhara is an imposing landmark for many miles around. Except for its impressive proportions this temple is no improvement on the Lingarāja, of which it is a close imitation. The action of sea air has rendered extensive renovations necessary from time to time and these have also detracted from the original appearance of the structure. The naṭmandir is a large square with a side of 80 feet, and its ceiling is borne on 16 pillars in four rows of four each, the one real example of a pillared hall in Orissa. There are some 30 to 40 minor shrines round the main temple and the whole group is enclosed within three concentric walls, known as ‘the three garlands’, with gateways in the centre of each side. These gateways are substantial structures with pyramidal roofs and bear no resemblance to the gōpura of South India.