Jagadamba Temple (r)

The small temple on the left is the Mahadeva temple. Both share the same base platform with the much larger Kandariya Mahadev temple. Architecturally speaking, the Jagadamba temple has four parts: inner sanctum with no ambulatory, vestibule, maha mandapa with lateral transepts, and entrance porch. The temple is named for the image of the Goddess now found in the enshrined in the sanctum, but was originally dedicated to Vishnu.

Jagadamba temple from the front. The corbelled arches (built by overlapping masonry courses) are very clear in the first few buildings; and the walls are covered with sculptural decorations. The finials at peak of these buildings are extremely finely shaped, with multiple curves.

These images of deities set into prominent places in the temple's exterior--so they were functioning

as more than mere decoration. On the left is Vishnu in his form as a boar (carrying the earth after rescuing her from the asura Hiranyaksha), and on the right some form of Shiva, as clearly shown by the damaru (hand drum), kamandalu (water-pot), skull, and hand extended in a boon-granting gesture. Of all the Hindu deities, Shiva is said to be the most easily pleased, and ready to grant his devotees'

requests.