The Great Temple of Sura

The Great Temple of Sura is one of the 18 Wonders of Macalgra, the primary temple to the Gods of the Temple of One and Six Gods, though it is not their center of operation. It is located in the city of Surah, in the Royal Quadrant. Traditionally the Priest of the Great Temple is one of the six Great Priests who make up the leadership of the entire religion.

Architecture

The Great Temple is a pre-classical ziggurat temple, characteristic of the First Age of Sura’s history. A raised, terraced platform serves as the platform for the temple; the temple itself is therefore over 30 metres above the surrounding buildings. The temple’s original form is of a perfect square with a overhanging roof supported by colonnades. The columns themselves are painted and carved with holy scenes from the mythos and within the temple are the sacred rooms of the gods which are only accessible by the priesthood.
The temple proper is fifty metres by fifty metres wide, and ten metres high. Over a thousand steps lead up to it from the city below.

History

The Great Temple of Surah was first constructed in 152 YSB as part of the foundation of the state cult of Sura. Though the ceremonial center of the Priesthood of the One and Six Gods, it has not been the Priesthood’s primary place of operations for millennia - the greater Holy Quadrant fulfils that purpose.

Type

Cathedral / Great temple