Temples of Kumbhariya

SR No.: 001571
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M A Dhaky, U S Moorty
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 394
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Art
File Size: 34 MB

Page 121

Description of Temples
The doorway allowing entry inside the gudhamandapa, mentioned in the foregoing passage, is very large and could be so, thanks to the unbridged central pillars of the satcatukṣī. Its śākhās have been recently redone according to its former design, its high doorsill, however, is original, showing as it does large grasamukhas flanking the central semi-circular mandaraka projection whose face is carved with vigorous scroll (Plate 187). The profile of the rectangular stepping stone placed over the ardhacandra or moonstone is likewise nicely carved with similar valli-fragment (Plate 187). The face of the ardhacandra is, as usual, without any decorative carving.
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The eastern and the western walls of the gūḍhamandapa, together with the interior pilasters, as also the painted and relatively simple domical ceiling above are of the restoration period of the later times. Its mouldings up to the karṇaka of the base, however, look older and are continuous with those of the mulaprāsāda: The hall thus appears to follow the original floor-plan of the preceding structure. The redone portion above the pitha, even when partially moulded, is largely without ornamentation, the exception being its udgama-pediments above the plain jangha which show intricate and indeed elegant arabesque or geometric designs that clearly reflect the late, as well as Islamic, form and idiom for their composition and details (Plates 188, 189).
The 'Samalikavihāra-paṭṭa' (A.D. 1282) (Plate 244), a 'Vis-viharamānaJina-patta' (Plate 240), and the two 'Jinamātṛkā-paṭṭas' (Plate 237)—all of which for some years now have been set up in the different locations within the Mahāvīra-caitya together with the three fragments of what once constituted a 'Saptatiśata-Jina-patta' now placed before the empty image-parikaras inside the first three consecutive devakulikās in the western row in that temple (Plates 238, 239)— were all originally placed in the gūḍhamandapa of the Neminatha temple. A pair of large and handsome kayotsarga Jinas (Plate 220) flanking the antarāla and dated to S. 1214/A.D. 1158 show finely executed valli fragment at their pedestal-face, whose loops inclose elephant figures (Plate 221). One more pair of the standing Jinas but flanking the garbhagṛha-doorframe and dated to S. 1314/A.D. 1258 is also not unimpressive and has a similarly carved pedestal (Plate 222, 223).
The doorframe of the garbhagṛha is in style largely after that of the gūḍhamaṇḍapa. Inside is the later image of the mūlanayaka Jina Ariṣṭanemi, set up in A.D. 1619.
The exterior of the mandovara or wall of the temple proper, unlike other Jaina temples at the site, is fully decorated. The prasāda (Plates 190, 191, 194) is tri-anga