Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c43.t1.381

v3.c43.t1.381

The Saiva Temple.—The chief object is the temple, dedicated to the creative power; it stands in the centre of a quadrangle of smaller shrines, which have more the appearance of being the cenotaphs of some ancient dynasty than domiciles for the inferior divinities. The contrast between the architecture of the principal temple, and that of the shrines which surround it, is remarkable. The body of the chief temple has been destroyed, and with its wrecks a simple, inelegant mandir has been raised; nor is there aught of the primitive structure, except the portico, remaining. Its columns are fluted, and the entablature (part of which lies prostrate and reversed)² exhibits a profusion of rich sculpture. In front of the temple is a circular basin, always overflowing, and [Figure: TEMPLES OF GANGA BHEVA. In the Forest of Pachail in Mewar.]