254 BORO-BODO ITS CONSTRUCTION. 



pyramid, eixoXi facadt' iiieasuring nearly 400 feet at the 

 base, and the approach is by four sets of stairs in the 

 angles, of 150 steps each, one above the other. The 

 entire pyramid consists of nine terraces, — a favourite 

 number amongst Buddhists as the multiple of the figure 

 three, emblematic of the Tripitaka or three collections 

 of Buddha's Writ. The five lower tiers, twelve to 

 eight feet high respectively, have a gallery all 

 round, with screens and gateways, giving access to 

 the cells, each of which, — and there are altogether 

 nearly 500,- — possessed a figure of Buddha in the 

 centre, life-size and seated cross-legged ; all tliose 

 imaoes still in existence are characteristic of that 

 dreamy, contemplative mood, bearing the mark of 

 Asiatic apathy. Each of the cells was roofed over by 

 a dome ; few of the latter now, however, remain 

 uninjured ; this part forms the ancient monaster}' or 

 vihara, at one time occupied by the monks in tl.eir 

 yellow garbs. The four upper-stories had neither 

 gallery nor cells, but numerous cupolas, corresponding 

 with the domes below. The apex, whence there is a 

 magnificent view of the surrounding country, is 

 occupied by a large circular compartment containing 

 the shrine, sunk ten feet deep into the pyramid, which 

 was originally covered over hj the customary bell- 

 shaped tope. This shrine at one time contained the 



