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 Sarasvati Purāņa is almost contemporary with the lake. Its author graphically describes the many tirthas on its bank and the beautiful important shrines that graced its embankments. A thousand or a thousand and eight Siva shrines (with lingas in them ) were built along the embankment. According to Purāņa the temples on its embankment included shrines of the 10 incarnations of Vişņu on its northern embankment. On its westrn bank were 108 shrines of devīs or Goddesses. Besides these there were shrines dedicated to the Sun, Nakulisa, Vināyaka, Kārtika, Kapāleśvara, Kollādevi, Somanātha and Bhairava. In the centre of the lake is a small hillock on the top of which is a Muslim structure or roza. According to the Pūraņa the shrine dedicated to Vindyavāsīni was located here. Above the triple inlent sluices (or Triveņi ) was the shrine of Jalaśāyi -Vişņu. The tank was in good condition till the 16th cent. A. D. when Akbar's tutor was murdered while boating in the lake.
The structures on the bank were pulled down by Muslims and the stones of temples and embankment were carried away for constructing the tank known as the Khan Sarovar. ( 16th cent. A. D. ).
During the excavation, on the Southern side of the tank near Rly. line, remains of a siva temple, consisting of carved and plain marble pieces, and two profusely carved pillars were exposed. 109
The lake Munsar at Viramgam is said to have been built by Siddharāja in the name of his mother Minaladevi. On the bank of it neary 500 small Śiva shrines have been erected of which 300 are still surviving. The extant structures give an idea of the construction and appearance of the Sahśralinga lake at Patan.
109. Archg. in Baroda. pp. 7-8.