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 182

Structural Temples of the Caulukyan Period
127
The Mahavira temple at Kumbahria (Dist. Banaskantha ), is securely dated by an inscription on the pedastal belonging to the original principle image in the sanctum which refers to the rendering of the image of Tirthadhipa' at Arasṇa in V. S. 1118 (A. D. 1062).73/1
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The temple rests on a large platform (Jagati ). It consists of garbhagriḥa, güḍhamaṇḍapa, Trikamaṇḍapa (of three Cokis ), Sabhamaṇḍapa and Sṛingaracokis (porches). The Sabhamaṇḍapa is flanked by eight devakulikas on either side and six niches instead of devakulikas in front of it, and two other devakulikās placed at right angles with a common mandapa in the extreme s. e. corner, thus constituting 24 cells for tirthankaras. 7 3/2 In front of the central porch there is also a balanaka. The temple complex faces north. Where the devakulikas terminate the prākāra starts and encloses the remaining part of the temple and ensures complete seclusion. The prakara also contains two more entrances-one on the east and the other on the west. The interior carvings of the temple in appearance is pearl like ornate and completely proportionate. The two central ceilings of the trikamandapa are master peices of their class. 73/3
According to Merutunga, Karna I. (1066-94 A. D.), after attacking Aśa Bhilla at Asapalli (near modern Ahmedabad) received an omen from Bhairavadevi (Bhairavadevyāḥ Śakuna Jate), and built there a temple of the goodess Kocarabā."4
The name of the goddess is preserved in that of the present name of the Suburb on the Sabarmati.5 The locality contains a small shrine of its goddess, but shows no traces of 73/1. Visalvijayaji 'Kumbharia', p. 43 Inscription No. 1. 73/2. Ibid. p. 36; For the ground plan of this temple See BSS. III,
p. 109.
73/3. Dave K. B. Ambika Kotesvara ane Kumbharia. pp. 53-55. Here Fig. 82.
74. PCT. 80; PCJ. 55.
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75. Forbes. Rāsamālā 1, 79. Forbes says that the temple was in existence till his times.