The temple is clearly inspired by the styling of the monolithic Dharmaraja shrine, but it is more tapered because originally it had to double as a lighthouse, a bright beacon burning at its apex.
The temple once had to double as a school as well. 
mnli hypothesis: The temple once had to double as a school as well.  premise: The temple is clearly inspired by the styling of the monolithic Dharmaraja shrine, but it is more tapered because originally it had to double as a lighthouse, a bright beacon burning at its apex.