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64
The Structural Temples of Gujarat
structures such as the great tower, a large hall, a pillared portico and Nandi pavilion, arranged axially in the centre, of a large walled enclosure. The other striking example is the temple at Gurigai Konda Cholapuram42 (Trichinopoly District) built by Rajendra Chola (1018-33 ). It is remarkable for its large maņdapa supported on over 150 columns. Like the Tanjore example, the stylobate of this temple is decorated with large sculptures which form a striking feature of the Chola temple. 4 3 (iv) The Pāņdya Phase (c. 1110–1350 A. D.)
The most conspicuous feature of the Pāņdya phase was the emergence of the monumental gateway or Gopuram which dwarfed the towered sanctury and became the dominating feature of the temple-complex. The Temples came to be fortified within a series of enclosing walls which were pierced at the four cardinal points with gateways of imposing size and ornamental appearance. The Gopuram were the monumental entrance to the temple. Elementary prototype of this characteristic architectural feature have been already found at the entrance to the Kailasnatha temple at Conjeevarum and also in the early Chalukyan temple of Virupāksha at Pattadakal; both example illustrate the Gopuram in a very rudimentary stage. 4 4
The Gopuram developed under the Pāņdya phase was oblong on plan and pyramidal in elevation with a cubical base. The best examples of the Gopurams of this phase are to be found at Srirangam (Trichinopoly Dist.) Chidambaram (South Arcot Dist. ), Kumbakonam (Tanjore Dist.) and Tiruvanhamalai (N. Arcot Dist). Of these the eastern gateway at Chidambaram is the most representative. It is a seven storeyed structure and ornamented with architectural decoration consisting nine pillared niches and canopied pavilions. 42. IABH p, pl. LVIII. 43. JABH p. pp. 103-104. 44. IABH pp. 106.
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