It has sometimes been suggested that the dense forest of columns within these chambers were meant to act as a screen to block the view of the inner shrine from the more public courtyard. In reality, there was a processional way on the center axis of this room where the columns were separated, so it was more likely the increasing darkness (a row of clerestory windows with gratings set high in the walls let in little light) and doorways that actually hide the most sacred areas of the temple from public view.