| The
temple of Chezerla is a rare exception and this is a temple on the Apsidal model. This
Apsidal plan and barrel vaulted structure, is classified in the VastuSastras, as 'Hasti
prasta' or elephant back. These were originally Buddhist Chaityas and were readjusted for
the purpose of Hindu worship, by the introduction of internal walls and upper store) to
seclude the Garbha Griha from the rest of the building. The end of the temple takes the
form of an apse and in its centre is a white marble Linga. The fact that the temple of Sibi is sacred to Buddhism and Hinduism and
is built in a unique style, conforming both to the Chaitya hall designs and the Silpa
Sastras rules, is proof positive that the temple must have come into existence, at a
period of mutual tolerance between Hinduism and Buddhism. A famous inscription in the
temple further supports this by Satsabhamalla, the son of Avanitalantavati Mahadevi, the
daughter of the king Kandara of the Ananda Gotra line of kings. |
