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The most remarkable building is the great Kailasa temple, excavated on the instructions of the king Krishna I (reigned c.756-773). Dedicated to the god Shiva, who is enshrined as a giant lingam in the innermost sanctuary, the temple is a free-standing structure, carved like a statue from the surrounding hillside. The rear wall of its excavated courtyard (276 ft x 154 ft/84 m x 47 m) is 100 ft (30 m) high. The temple proper (164 ft x 109 ft/50 m x 33 m) was carved from a single mass of rock. The roof of its central hall is supported by 16 square columns.
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Asia
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