Byrd,

Once again I have learned to never use the word "always"...
While conducting research for you I stepped into the Amarna tarpit where the temples were open to Aten's light.

Let me immediately correct that error, to wit;

Most Temple inner sanctums were built with many more columns than necessary to support the roof, such columns usually (shies away from always) carved as including lush foliage, with carvings along the wall of lush foliage below the wall panels, whose light was deliberately very dark by allowing only small rectangles near the roof to let in light, mandating the Priests carry torches or flares to bring the light to the isle of creation during ritual.
This inner sanctum was designed to represent the Primeval Isle of Creation.
Tradition appears to have dictated the actual shrine area be elevated and built in a style to represent the original archaic reed pillar alters.

I have ordered two new books on Archaeology of Egyptian Temples and will post follow up links, probably in a new thread if ok with you Byrd. This verification may take a wee bit.

Jammer