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 in the Prabandha Cintāmaņi Merutunga states that Bhima l built a new Tripuruṣa Prāsāda* in the memory of his deceased Prince Mūlaraja. The context indicates that the temple was built at Pattana Merutunga also records that Bhima I erected the temple of Bhimeśvaradeva and Bhattārika Bhiruāņi at Pattana. None of these temples now exists at Patan.63
The Sun Temple At Modhera. (Dist. Mehsana)
From the date V. S. 108364 (1026-27 A. D.) found inscribed in the back wall of the shrine and from its close resemblance with the Vimala Vasahikā built in 1032 A, D., the temple is assigned to the reign of Bhima I (A. D. 1024-1066).65
* The prevelaice of the large nunber of composite figures of the Sun found in Gujarat, leads us to suggest that the deity in the Tripuruṣa temples erected by Mularāja I and Bhima / were composite images of Sūrya who is invoked in the Māikaideya-Purāņa (CIC, V. 71 ) in the following verse.
Brhāmi Māheśvari caiva Vaişņavi caiva te tanuh 1
tridha yasya Syarūpāmtu Bhānor-bhāsvauprasidatu II
A Characteristic figure of this nature is the three-faced and eightarmed seated composition which is found or a shrine dedicated to Sūrya inside the compound of the - Limbaji Mātā's temple at Delmal (N. G.) Burgass AANG. p. 88-89; Vide here. also Note 5 on p. 98 63. PCT, 78, PCJ, 55. 64. In 'Studies in the historical and Cultural Geography and Ethnography of Gujarat' Dr. H. D. Sankalia ascribes the construction of the temple to Karna I (p. 40), though in 'Archaeology of Gujarat' he has assigned it to the reign of Bhima I (p. 84). This seems to be an error committed through slip of memory as the author has not adduced any reasons for altering the statement. 65. AANG. p. 80-81. Plts. I, VII, XLVII.
Here Figs, 76-81 & 223.