Page:Vizagapatam.djvu/244

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224
VIZAGAPATAM.


But it is on the eastern of the two hills that the more remarkable Chap. XV. Anakapalle. of the remains are situated. Every rock pinnacle on this has similarly been carved into the semblance of a stúpa, and in a considerable outcrop of black, weather-beaten rock on its western face is a two-storeyed rock-cut temple, in and about which are numerous Buddhist sculptures. This outcrop stands perhaps 75 ft. above the surrounding fields and is reached by an irregular flight of broken steps. The face of it has been cut back to give a vertical facade to the shrine; and thus a small, level, rock-terrace has been formed. Out of the back of this opens the lower of the two chambers of which the temple consists. Above the entrance to it is sculptured a small figure sitting, with legs crossed, in the usual contemplative attitude, while on one side is a life-size, standing, nude Buddhist figure. The chamber itself is excavated out of the solid rock and is 30 ft. square and 8 ft, high. It was originally supported on 16 roughly cut pillars about 2 feet square, standing in four rows of four each, and each equidistant from the next. Five of them have disappeared, probably owing to fires having been lit round them, and the two nearest the entrance bear rudely sculptured figures about four feet in height. In the centre of the chamber stands a stúpa, about four feet high and almost shapeless from age.

Immediately above this chamber, excavated in the same outcrop of rock, is a smaller shrine. Over the entrance to this, in a large niche, is sculptured a seated Buddhist figure, cut in high relief. It is about five feet high and on either side of it is a standing figure, while two smaller ones hover about its head. On one side of the entrance is a second similar figure, and on the other is a third, rather smaller. All three of these have been whitewashed, and they are conspicuous for a great distance across the surrounding fields.

Passing through this entrance (immediately above, and on either side of, which are small seated figures) one reaches a rectangular chamber about 12 ft. by 4 ft. and 7 ft. high, on the walls of which are sculptured in relief two large seated images, two smaller ones, and a number of other figures. All of these are much dilapidated, the rock being of a soft variety and very coarse texture. Out of this chamber opens an inner shrine about 9 ft, by 5, on the back wall of which is carved a seated Buddhist figure 5 ft. in height and 18 inches in relief, behind which rises a cobra with hood expanded, while on the two side walls are two standing images of about the same size flanked by kneeling male or female figures in an attitude of adoration, and other