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GOPURA V

GOPURA V

Thursday, October 19, 2023

GOPURA V

Gopura V is of cruciform shape, standing on a sandstone platform built onto the natural bedrock, and opens to the four cardinal points. Archaeological evidence suggests that this Gopura was covered by roof-tiles supported by sandstone pillars and beams. At present, only the eastern doorframes survive; the three others have almost completely collapsed. Gopura V is a crossing point between the various access routes. On the western side, the causeway connected to an ancient mound where the local community lived. From the north, a sandstone Naga staircase connects a lower area to Gopura V, while from the east an ancient staircase measuring 1,500m long leads from the foot of the mountain to Gopura V from where pilgrims progressed in a northerly direction to Gopura I, the holy shrine, whose tower has now completely collapsed. Gopura V and IV are connected by a causeway measuring 275m long and bordered by 134 stone posts with lotus shape.