The lesser – known Atru, known as Atalpuri in the ancient times is a treasure trove of temples of unmatched beauty, structural ingenuity and artistic and architectural excellence. Though the temples were looted and razed to the ground by the Muslim barbarians, one has to only see the broken carved panels, sculptures, plinths and niches strewn about to appreciate the grandeur, charm and elegance of the temples that once stood here.
The mound on which the ruins is situated is actually the remains of an edifice built in two phases. The first temple dedicated to Bhagawan Vishnu lying on Adi Sesha was built in the early part of the 10th century of which only the plinth remains. The second temple also dedicated to Bhagawan Vishnu was built over this in the late 10th century.
Only parts of the entrance porch railing, three ornamental pillars of the mandapa and left side of the entrance doorway of the main shrine remain. The carved ceilings, miniature niches inset with sculptures and intricately carved architectural members are seen on the site.
Archaeological excavations uncovered the raised platform of dressed stones and mouldings on the north face of the plinth of the first structure. The south face for some reason has completely disappeared.
Sculptures on the exposed plinth of the first temple are of the Ashtadikpalakas and Mithunas. However, only four Mithunas remain in the north while those on the south and west face have either been stolen or destroyed.
It would appear that the arrangement of these figures was identical on all the faces based on the decorative tiers on the plinth. The richly embellished plinth has niches framed by columns inset with figures and a crowning medallion, birds, elephants, apsaras and gods and goddesses.
This east – facing temple had an entrance porch, a mandapa, an antarala and a garbha griha. An inscription found on the pillar states that this lofty temple built on a high platform had profusely decorated external facades.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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