Book Title: Jaina Archaeology Outside India
Author(s): Jineshwardas Jain
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha

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Page 69
________________ Chichen Itza: Chicehn Itza reveals its heritage of conquest in Toltec structure and earlier Maya buildings. An ancient observatory shows the knowledge of astronomy, window like openings in the tower align with the sunset at spring and autumn equinoxes. The buildings of Chichen Itza are the representative of Toltec's regional style. Although there are around 4 pyramids but the highest (See fig. 1) and most well preserved. On all the four sides of this structure there are four stairs which is a typical construction of panduk shilas (for celebrating kalyanakas). Most important of these kalyanakas is the Head anointing ceremony of the tirthankara child. Four types of male and female angels, four types of Grahasthas (household people)e.g. Ladies, Gents,(Male and Female), saints go on to the top of the pyramids. At a height of about 120 ft. there is a temple (room. Of course, there is no statue at present). This room is surrounded by a gallery for making a parikrama (going round). 69

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