To preserve some order, and thereby render easier the description of this great and complex work, we shall, after mentioning, that on each side of the gateway within there is an abundance of sculpture, all damaged by time, proceed to describe the parts of the centre structure; and then, return ing to the right side, enumerate its parts; when, taking the left hand, we shall terminate the whole in a description of the end of the area opposite the gateway, and behind the grand temple, exemplifying the whole by reference to the annexed plan.
Centre through the gateway (1) below, you enter the area ('2), and, proceeding under a small bridge, pass a solid square mass (3), which supports the bull Nundee stationed above; the sides of this recess are profusely sculp tured with pillars and figures of various firms. Having passed it, you come to the passage under another small bridge, beneath which there is, on one side, a gigantic figure of the Rajah Bhoj, surrounded by a group of other figures, opposite to which is a gigantic figure Guttordhuj, with his ten hands. At each end of' this short passage colon' rut r s body of the grand temple (4), the o.' wI ieh .s the upper story, that is here ascended by flights of st his I in each side Right and left-hand sides of the temple hcloor.—Tht. right hand side is adorned with a very full and complex set Il t re of the battle I if Ram and IZonon, in which IIiinomaini makes a very conspicuous figure. Proceeding from this field of battle, the heads of elephants, lions, and some animals, arc projected, as though supporting the temple. till you come to a projection (r). in the side of which. sunk in the rock, is a large group of figures. but ouch mutilated. This projection was connected with the apaittnents on the right-hand side of the area by a bridge (7), which has gi vent way, and the ruins of it now fill up the sides of the area. It is said to he upwards of a hundred years since it fell.
Passing the projection of the main body of the temple, it lessens flu- a few paces. then again projects (S) ; and after a very sinall space on a line of the body of the temple. the length of this wonderfid structure, it' what is litbricated downwards out of a solid mass can be so called, terminates in a smaller degree of projection than the former. The whole length is supported in the manner above mentioned, by figures of elephants, lions, &e., projecting from the bases. to gi m e. it should seem, the whole vast mass the appearance of mova bility by those mighty animals. The hindmost, or eastern
extremity of the temple, is composed of three distinct temples, elaborately adorned with sculpture, and supported, like the sides, by elephants, &c., many of which are inntilated. The. left-hand side (from the entrance) differs so little from the tight, that it is unnecessary to be particular in mentioning anything, except, that. opposite the description of the battle of 11am and Notion, is that of Keyso Pardo, in which the wart ions consist of footmen, and others nn muted on elephants, and cars drawn by hiirses, none are on horses. The principal weapon seems the bow, though maces and straight swords arc discoverable.
Centre abore.—The gateway consists of three centre rooms (9), and one on each side (9). From the centre rooms, ero.ss. ing the bridge (10). the ascent is by seven steps (11) into a square room (1'2), in which is the bull Nundee. This nioni has two doors and two windows. Opposite the windows are the obelisks (b) before From the station of Nundee we cross over the second bridge (13), and ascend by three steps (14) into a handsome open portico (15). supported by two pillars (above each of which, on the outside, is the figure of a lion, that, flu iugh muti lated, has the remains of great beauty ; and, on the inside, two figures resembling sphinxes) towards the bridge. and two pilasters that join it to the body of the temple, the grand apartments of which (16) are entered from the pot tiro by four handsome steps and a doorway. on each of which are gigantic figures. Advancing a few paces into the temple, which is supported by two rows of pillars, besides the walls that are decorated with pilasters, there is an intermission of one pillar on each side, leading to the right and left to an open portico (17), projecting from the body of the temple; from the right-hand one Of the bridge, already men tioned as broken, connected the main temple with the side apartments, to which there is now no visible access but by putting a ladder for the purpose; though I was told there is a hole hi the mountain above, that leads to it, which I had not time nor strength to explore. The access from the oppo site is by stairs from below. The recess (18) of the Ling (19) of Mandcw, to which there is an ascent of five forms the termination of this fine saloon, on each side of the door of which is a profusion of sculpture. The whole of the ceiling has been chunamed and painted, great part of which is in good preservation.