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 142

A Survey of the Structural Temples of Pre-Caulukyan Times 87 the pillars, caitya window ornaments etc. Our assigning these shrines to the Maitraka period is further supported by the existence of a large number of temples, showing various stages in the evolution of the Sikhara and the temple walls etc., discovered from various sites in Saurastra and Katcha which were definitely under Maitraka rule during 6th to 8th centuries. 45
All the shrines except no. VII are small temples with square or rectangular sanctums (garbhagrihas ) and a small porch (ardhamandapa i. e, a prāgrriva covered with phānsana (gabled) 1oofing) in front, eventhough the porch has fallen down from some temples. Most of the temples show one or two offsets (ratha, pratiratha etc.) while No. II has plain walls which could be compared with the plain walls of the famous Gupta temples at Sanchi etc. Unfortunately the upper part of this temple is not existing so it is very difficult to Judge about its nature and style, the eaves are sloping down and such a sloping base of the Sikhara above having caitya-window (motif) with bifurcation is interesting, as these could be favourably compared with similar roofs in South India and Saurastra 46 Roofs of porches present an interesting stylistic comparision with some of the temples in Saurastra and Rajasthana and else where. The roof of the mandapa of temple VII reminds one the temple to the South of Harihara temple No. 1 at Osia and even the temple at Kalsara in Saurastra, but the roof here is highly ornate with Caitya-window ornaments on sides and front.47
The Sikhara are of curvilinear North Indian types and have their parallels in Saurastra at Ghumali, Pasthar, Miani, Wadhawana etc., and in Rajsthana at Osia, Badoli, etc. Except
45. SSR. pp. 113-114. 46. The old shrine at Visavada is comparable with Temple II at Roda, but the Visavada shrine has a porch, while the Roda shrine does not seem to have had any. SRR. p. 110. 47. SSR. P. 110.