1883.] Bajendralala Mitra— On the Temples of Deoghar. 173 
the west, the length is 215 feet, and, in the middle of it, there is a small 
doorway leading to a bye-lane * The greater part of the north side is 
covered by tbe private residence of the Head Priest, but towards the north¬ 
east corner there is a large gateway with massive side pillars, and it now 
serves as the principal entrance to the temple enclosure. All pilgrims are 
expected to enter by this gate. The length of this side is 220 feet. All 
the above measurements have been taken within the enclosing walls. The 
whole of the area is paved with flags of chunar free-stone, the gift of a 
Mirzapur merchant, who spent a large sum on this pious work. 
The principal temple stands on the centre of this area, facing the 
east, as old Hindu temples usually do. It is a plain stone structure, 
rising to a height of 72 feet on the slope. Its surface is cut into a check 
pattern by plain perpendicular and horizontal mouldings. When originally 
built it comprised a single cell 15' 2" X 15', opening due east. A low porch 
or lobby, 35' X 12' divided into two aisles by a row of 4< pillars, was added 
sometime after, and a second porch, a little 
shorter, followed at a later date. Both the 
porches are paved with flags of basalt. The 
appearance of the facade is shown in the 
annexed woodcut, copied from a photo¬ 
graph. The woodcut does not show that 
the central opening is flush with the court¬ 
yard The ends of the lobby are accessible 
by small doorways, which are reserved for 
the use of priests and respectable female 
pilgrims. The other three sides of the cell 
are faced by pillared verandas which are 
reserved for the use of those pilgrims who 
come to fast for days to secure special 
blessings from the divinity in the temple. 
On the east side of the northern veranda 
there is a masonry vat into which flows the 
water and milk used for the ablutions of 
the lingam. The water in it is of a dirty colour, being loaded with unit 
Idahpal, and washings of flowers, t ‘.which impart to rt a fragrant 
. Mr. Beglar*s — TatsjLTe orth 
entrances to it ; the prmcpal one rstothewcst^ ^ ^ ^ (p . 138) . The 
Of the two mmor ones, one is on the gecond door on the north is the 
east gate is the largest and theses one^sm which f ormS a part of the sacred 
« «c pUs who arint the water. 
