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 The principal building (the enclosed hall including shrine) is an oblong formation with an extreme length of 24.4 ms. and a width of 15.2 ms. having its long sides, not diagonal as in the case of the hypostyle hall, but parallel to the axis of the scheme as a hall. In its design recessed angles are also a distinctive feature of the exterior; while the sole entrance is through a pillared portico on the east, where it connects with the western or rear doorway of the Sabhamandapa. 63/1 At intervals in the sides are window openings, five in number, each a well proportioned aperature, and with its side pillars, relieving the wall surface in an interesting manner. The elevation is composed of the three main divisions already referred to with the basement or pıtha consisting of the conventional range of carved mouldings, above which is the spacious maņdovara or panelled wall-face, richly embellished with figure sculpture, each image enshrined in a niche, the principal divinities in the larger and central ones, female figures such as dancers and musicians at the sides, with saints and asceties in the smaller and less prominent sides. The Superstructure of this building has completely disappeared, but it comprised the traditional arrangement of a low pyramidal roof over the front portion, and a tall turreted Sikhara over the shrine. In both these formations the recessed chased, still visible in the body of the structure, were continued upward, those carried
65/1 The original plan of the temple seems to have consisted of the Garbhagriha and the Gūdhamandapa, the Toraña and the Kunda. The Sabhāmandapa seems to have been added later on as indicated by the fittle space remaining between the Sabhāmaņdapa and the Toraña.
Shri M. A. Dhaky, on the strength of his peculiar methods of the style-critical analysis of Rāṇivāva at Patan, ascribes the rangamandapa (i. e. Sabhamandapa) of this temple to the early years of the reign of Karnadeva. He also holds that the toraņa likewise was also latter addition. According to him both these structures show close resemblance in decorative and figural work but differ from those found in the Main shrine. (CSTG. p. 77. )