184/.] On the Temples and Ruins of Oomga. $57 



As this structure is perfect I prepared the annexed ground plan 

 with an elevation of the eastern entrance and of two of the pillars, 

 brackets, &c. These will give a better idea than I could convey in 

 writing ; the north and south balconies or porches being both alike, 

 I have given the ground plan of the lower of one, and of the upper 

 story of the other ; the date of this edifice is found in a Sanscrit in- 

 scription I shall treat of further on. 



The exterior shape is that common to most buildings of the kind 

 erected between the 12th and 15th centuries of the Christian era, of 

 which so many fine specimens are to be found in the province of Cut- 

 tack : the materials being very hard and coarse-grained would not have 

 admitted of minute ornament, consequently such is confined to bold 

 mouldings and recesses producing the usual and pleasing effect. The 

 interior is nearly as devoid of ornament as the exterior. 



The Temple being dedicated to Jugnath (as "Narrain") has no idols, 

 but a Singhasun or throne on the west wall (facing the east), on which 

 the wooden blocks representing the triad of Sri Jeo, Bulbudra and 

 Seubudra were formerly placed, but is now occupied by fragments of 

 other figures — there are also two of Ganesh in the ante room or Subha. 



The pillar or Garura-stamba which formerly supported Garadu, still 

 stands on the space in front of the entrance, and is about 14 ft. high, a 

 single block of granite. 



The four large columns in the Subha are likewise single shafts 1 

 feet each, or capitals and bases included, 16ft. 8in.*2^ in thickness ; their 

 shape will be observed is that common in Hindu architecture, viz. 1st 

 portion square, 2nd octagon, third 1 6-sided, and fourth circular, the 

 capital being likewise circular and surmounted by four armed brackets 

 or corbets. 



A remarkable feature in this Temple (to which its preservation from 

 the destructive hand of Mahomedan fanatics may be attributed) is 

 its bearing cufic inscriptions over the entrance doorway, as well as 

 those of the two small chambers, also on the eight sides of each pillar 

 and on the architraves, the latter consist simply of the word " Allah." 

 The former appear to be extracts from the Koran, but having been 

 chiselled off it is nearly impossible to make them out. This piece of 

 mischievous folly, I regret to record, is attributed to a European officer, 

 at whose suggestion the late Rajah Gunsam Sing of Deo caused it to 



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