Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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The Structural Temples of Gujarat Externally this Mahamaņdapa or great hall has three stories. Each storey is defined by a massive architrave, with the spaces between occupied by pillars and piers, the effect of the facades being that of large open arcades. The roof is partly demolished, but was an arrangement of diminishing tiers of ornamental masonry rising up into a low pyramidal or domical formation. Externally, the building is in three stories, but this does not apply to interior as there is a large central chamber. It consists of one tall compartment only around which project the loggias, one above the other, which comprise the triple stories of its external elevation. From the design it can be said that the constructional principles adopted here were much alike the Rudra Mahalaya temple at Siddhapur. 16
The Teli-Ka-mandira, is a rare type of Brahmanical sanctuary, a relic of the distant Buddhist heritage. It's Sikhara is remarkably noted for its affinity with that of Vaitāl Deul at Bhuvanesvara. It is over 30.5 meters in height. In its conception this building is rather more of a shrine than a temple, as it consists of a sanctuary only, comprising a tower together with a substantial porch and doorway leading to an interior cella; there is atached to it no assembly hall or maņdapa, and none of those pillared pavilions which ordinarily formed part of the fully developed temple structure. It's shape externally as well as internally is oblong. The most marked departure from the Indo-Aryan style of the temple tower is in the composition of the summit or roof. Owing to oblong formation being confirmed throughout its height, the upper part of the building is also oblong in shape which in consequence is supersimposed with the vaulted roof of Buddhist Caitya-hall. To emphasize this character there is a form of sun-window at either end, a keeled ridge with finials, and pillared arcades derived from the rockcut colonnade system along each of its longitudinal sides. The roof of the porch also appears to have terminated in a Caitya arch gable. 17 16. JABH p. p. 156-157 also Plt. Cl. off. p. 157. 17. JABH p. pp. 156 also plt. C fig. 2. facing p. 151