Fig.7.2

We have already seen (fig 7.2) the peculiar apsidal alter on Ranawali’s acropolis, itself enclosed within an apsidal structure. When it was uncovered towards the end of the partial excavation at this site, R.S.Bisht noted that the alter ‘was full of fine lose ash’; a large jar was found in the structure. Several years ago, Banawali’s alter came on the screen as I showed the slides of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization to venerable Vedic scholars assembled in the field of Panjal, in Kerala. Some of them, masters of one or several of the Vedas, interrupted me to point out that the semi-circular shape is one of the three basic shape is one of the three basic shapes of fire alters (called dakshinagni), with the other two being the square (ahavaniya) and the circle (garhapatya); the three could be seen on the grounds of the conference, and are still in use of various ceremonies (They are visible inside the enclosure of the west of the “mahavedi”. While those Vedic scholars of Kerala recognized in the Banawali structure a fire alter, Bisht reached a similar conviction independently; to hi, this clearly non-utilitarian structure enclosing an alter with layers of ashes could only be a temple dedicated to fire rituals. ~ Page 240