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 180

Structural Temples of the Caulukyan Period
125 court yard, one first reaches the Rangamandapa, the floor of which is only slightly raised from the level of the court yard. This open pavilion is composed of a central nave based on an cctagonal plan, with eight pillars supporting the dome of the nave. On the front and two sides (north and south) of this Maņdapa, are, attached to it three open porticos resting on ornamental pillars with separate domes or ceiling for each. To the west or this Rangamandapa is attached a rectangular ceiling on pillars and of the same width as that of Navacoki or Vestibule to the west of it, and to which is joined this Rangamandapa. At this end of Rangamaņdapa one has to ascend three steps of the platform or basement on which rest all the other parts of the shrine built by Vimalashah. To the west of Rangamanqapa, on this open platform, is the Navacoki an open rectangular pavilion-a trancept or vestibule in front of the Gūdhamandapa-divided into three main sections, open on three sides, and having its roof supported by two rows of four pillars each. A main entrance to the sanctum is in the middle of the wall of the Güdhamaņdapa covering the western side of this Navacoki. The entrance has a high ornamental door-frame, the side walls adorned with different relief-carvings and ornamental big projecting Niches ( Khattaka ) on each side. The entrance leads into the Gūdhamandapa or the hall adjacent to and in front of the main sanctum. On two sides (N. & S.) of the Gūdhamaņdapa are two trancepts (Vestibules or open porticos ) reached by a flight of few stepts from the level of the court yard. This Gūdhamaņdapa or so to say, the shrine itself has 3 entrances, the two entrances from these trancepts also having ornate door-frames; the pillars of the trancept are also adorned with reliefs of gods and goddesses.
The Sanctum, the Gadhamaņdapa ( with the trancepts ) and the Navacoki in front rest on a common platform with basement mouldings, the platform being of almost the same level as that of corridor, The Rangamaņdapa whose floor is almost on a level with the Navacoki by a rectangular ceiling supported by a row of four extra pillars, the ceiling being divided into 3