Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/241

 and a clue to the origin of this characteristically Buddhist construction may certainly be forthcoming in the Valley of Nepal. As developed by the Newar builders, the design of the pagoda is comparatively simple, and needs but little description. The plan is ordinarily square, and the ground floor is generally the only one put to any practical use, the upper floors, which may be several in number, being often "blind stories." The lower room, built on a stone plinth, is the chamber of the temple, or sanctuary of the deity, and contains little but the idol and a few religious accessories. Outside, however, this room is sometimes lavishly decorated by the artistic contributions of individuals desirous of showing their devotion in a practical manner. Naturally there is no preconceived plan in connection with these voluntary decorations, but, like some of our Gothic cathedrals which were added to on somewhat the same principle, the general effect is singularly picturesque. Above this careless profusion of ornament arises the red-tiled roof of the sanctuary chamber, and surmounting this are progressive