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

Page 130

A Survey of the Structural Temples of Pre-Caulukyan Times 75 near Junagadh. A few remains of the old temple, including some old images of black granite were pointed out in the surroundings of the present temple by Dr. Bhagwanlal Indraji.19
The Traikūta kings ruled over South Gujarat during this period, were also followers of Vaisnavism. But no remains of any Brahmanical temples built during their reign have come to light. A guild of silk-weavers that migrated from Lāta (south Gujarat) and settled at Daśapura ( modern Dasar or Man-Dosar in Malva) is known to have built a sun temple in the city. But their exist no remains of the temple at present.
The earliest known architectural monument in Gujarat are generally assigned to the 5th Century A, D. They represent structural temples of different styles. The temple at Gop,20 in Barada Hills was dedicated to Sun and the temple at Kadvar near Veraval to the Varāha, incarnation of Vişņu
19. The present Dāmudar Mandir which was built probably on the old site of the Cakrabhřit temple in the 15th cent. during the rule of Mandalika, the last Chudāsamā ruler of Junagadh. At the time of Muslaman conquest (A. D. 1484) as violence was feared the images were removed and buried. Mandalika temple was repaired by Amarji Dewan of Junagadh ( 1759-1784 A. D.). It was proposed to make and consecrate new images. But certain old images of Vişņu were found in digging foundation for the enclosure wall and were consecrated. Two of these images were taken by Girnara Brahmins and consecrated in the names of Eadeva and Revati in a neighbouring temple specially built for them. Of the original temple the only trace is a pilaster into the wall to the right as one enters. The style and carving are of the Gupta period. (BG. I. Pt. l. ch. VII p. 70 ) 20. Burgess placed the temple of Gop at least as old as 6th cent. A. D. (AKK. p. 187) but on the arology of the evolution of Caitya-window ornament Dr. H. D. Sankalia assings it to the sth cent. A. D. i. e. a century earlier than that fixed by Burgess (AG. p. 59).