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 lighthouse saw three boats crash into it  before it was converted to strictly a temple. 
mnli hypothesis: The lighthouse saw three boats crash into it  before it was converted to strictly a temple.  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.