328 ON ORISSA. PROPER 



the character of the building, it is strangely inaccurate in respect to mea- 

 surements, no less than in the description of the emblems and ornaments 

 which embellish it. Without noticing its several errors in detail, I shall 

 first insert the description above alluded to, and then offer an account of the 

 place as it appears to the visitor in the nineteenth century.. 



The author of the Ayin Acberi observes, (vide Gladwin's translation,} 

 •" Near to Jagannath is the temple of the sun, in the erect : ng of which, was 

 " expended the whole revenue of Orissa for twelve years. No one can 

 " behold this immense edifice without being struck with amazement. The 

 4< wall which surrounds the whole is one hundred and fifty cubits high 

 " and nineteen cubits thick. There are three entrances to it. At the east- 

 ■" era gate there are two very fine figures' of -elephants, each with a man 

 "upon his trunk. To the west are two surprizing figures of horsemen 

 <c completely armed, and over the northern gate are carved two lions who 

 *' having killed two elephants, are sitting upon them. In the front of the gate 

 " is a pillar of black stone of an octagonal form fifty cubits high. There 

 '" are nine flights of steps, after ascending which, you come into an exten- 

 5: sive enclosure where you discover a large dome constructed of stone up- 

 ** on which are carved the sun and stars and round them is a border where 

 <c are represented a variety of human figures, expressing the different pas- 

 *' sions of the mind, some kneeling, others prostrated with their faces up- 

 " on the earth, together with minstrels, and a number of strange and won- 

 w derful animals, such as never existed but in imagination. This is said 

 "< to be a work of 7.30 years antiquity. Ilaja Nursingh Deo finished this 

 *i building, thereby erecting for himself a lasting monument of fame. There 

 *■' are twenty-eight other temples belonging to this pagoda, six before the 

 " northern gate, and twenty-two without the enclosure, and they are all 

 *' reported to have performed miracles." 



The wall which formed the outer enclosure may have measured about 

 2>0 yards on a side ; within this was a second enclosure having: three en- 

 Irances called the Aswa or horse, the Masti or elephant, and the Sinha or 



