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 190

Structural Temples of the Caulukyan Period
135
Almost every old work of architectural or antiquarian interest in Gujarat is ascribed to Jayasinha Siddharaja (A. D. 1094-1144) by the chronicles and legends of Gujarat. His two greatest works, fragments of which are still surviving, are the Rudramahalaya at Siddhapur and the Sahasralinga lake at Patan (both in Dist. Mehsana). The Rudramahalaya, though very little is left from its size and the beauty of its carving must have been a magnificent work-the grandest specimen of architecture of the Solanki period. 94 The remains of the Sahasralinga excavation show that it must have been a work of surprising size and richness, well deserving the title 'Mahāsara' or great lake. 95
Siddharaja built the temple of Rudramahalaya, which is said to have been one of the largest temples ever built in India 95/1 Muslim invaders demolished this temple and a part of the magnificent temple still survives; some of the portion including the great hall and the sanctum sanctorum is being used as a mosque.9
96
Tod, found therein two inscriptions, 97 one mentioning the foundation of the temple in V. S. 998 and the other its completion by Siddharaja in V. S. 1202. Burgess remarks that these inscriptions are no longer found there, 98 In his notes on a visit to Gujarat he however, notes to have seen three inscriptions there but found them undicipherable.99 The report of the Archaeological Department of Baroda State make no mention of these inscriptions. From this Shri A. K. Majumdar presums that they are lost. 100 But the presumption cannot hold good
94, CG. p. 179,
95. CG. p. 180.
95/1. PRAS, Wc. 1912, p. 16.
96. ARAB, 1934-35. p. 8.
97. Tod. Travells in Western India. p. 142.
98. AANG. p. 60.
99. Burgess; Notes of a visit to Gujarat (1869) pp. 66-67.
100. CG. D. 28. note 28.