16 vedis and Chota Akshayavata

Title: 16 vedis and Chota Akshayavata
Brief history: Supposed to be 16 vedis, but local priests say there are 19
Local tradition: Shraddha, Pindadana, Tarpana
Structure: Stone-roofed courtyard with 16 internal pillars and 21 pillars on the perimeter; small annex-mandapa with 4 pillars, floor is natural stone of hill. Small one cell entrance to the Chota Akshayavata south of 16 padas. Cell has one major sculpture of Surya and two other sculptural fragments. Exit of cell leads to Chota Akshayavata shrine, which is a plastered platform around the tree. There are numerous sculptures, panels and fragments plastered into platform and kept around the tree.
Location: Chand Chaura
Geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude): 24°46'38.42", 85°00'23.45"
Approachs: through Chand Chaura or
north from Brahmasaror
Airport: Gaya
Railway station: Gaya
Bus stand: Gaya
Topographical features: Top of the Mundaprishta hill on the western bank of the Phalgu across from the Sita Kunda
Building materials: Brick; stone
Usage: Active worship
Ownership: Vishnupada Prabandhakarini Samiti Ilake Chaudahasaiya Gayapala; current head of committee is Shankaralala Pathak (Ghadiwala)
Conservation assessment: Pillars are covered with pindas, in need of cleaning
Subject: Altars, Vedic
Omeka identifier: sci-site01-01
Present condition: Kept in the open