1853.] Notes on the Ruins at Mahabalipuram. 663 



other mass of building, between two temples of Siva placed dos d dos ? 

 and there are only two suppositions that will account for the erec- 

 tion of these two buildings, of obviously the same date, with a covered 

 passage of connection. Either the smaller was a sanctuary, to be 

 entered only from the larger ; as appears to have been the case in 

 some of the Arian temples still extant in Cashmere : or else it must 

 have been a portico, through which admission was obtained to the 

 larger or real temple. The first hypothesis is contradicted by the 

 existence of the western entry to the smaller edifice, which is cer- 

 tainly contemporaneous with its construction : and also by the fact 

 that the stone screen, that so carefully encircles the larger building, 

 ceases on arriving opposite the smaller. "We are therefore thrown 

 back upon the second ;* which is supported not only by these cir- 

 cumstances, but also by the extreme simplicity of the present door 

 to the larger temple ; a mere plain opening in the wall. I may also 

 mention that while the smaller building (and through it, were the 

 passage still open, the larger one only) is approached from the west 

 with ease and on a level ; the only access to the simple opening in 

 the eastern screen now serving as an entry is over a low, but steep 

 and rugged rock washed by the breakers below. This rock has cer- 

 tainly the appearance, both here and elsewhere, of having been 

 partly cut into rude steps, and partly perforated as if to receive 

 some superstructure that has since disappeared. One solitary 

 column still raises its head above the waves, and is commonly con- 

 sidered to have been a Stambha, to support lamps : it should how- 

 ever be remarked that there is no vestige of any mode of ascent, to 

 place them ; neither of niches wherein they might be placed. The 

 top is formed into a kind of peg, as if to receive some capping stone, 

 and I have myself little doubt, that it is the sole relic of some ter- 

 race or arcade, once extending in this direction : I also traced out 

 faintly, the platforms of two collateral buildings ; one on each side 

 of that now standing : and among the debris of the southernmost, I 

 discovered several images of the kneeling bull generally placed oppo- 

 site a lingum, so corroded as to be only recognizable on careful 



* The idea of the original entrance having been from the West, will appear less 

 strange, if it be remembered, that the entrance and portico of the Kylas at Ellora 

 actually are from that quarter. 



