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 195

140
The Structural Temples of Gujarat
trika and those of central devakulikās are notworthy for their exquisite workmanship. 113/5
The Siddheśvara temple at Wadhwan (Dist. Surendranagar), repaired in V. S. 1301 (1244 A. D.), is said to have been built originally by or in honour of great Siddharaja Jayasinha, who conquered Saurastra in or about V. S. 1171 (1115 A. D)114
Anandapura* (Dist. Surendranagar)
There is here the old temple of Anantesvara Mahadeva an old ruined building which has been rebuilt and added to in subsequent times, and supposed to have been originally erected by Siddharaja Jayasinha. It faces the east. The lofty hall, before the shrine is modern; but the shrine with its outer wall, upto the roof, is old, except that the old door-frame has been rebuilt. Judging by the sculptured walls of the shrine, the original temple must have been a very elaborate one completely decorated in all its parts. Being dedicated to Śiva the principal images on its walls are Saivite-the nude Kalabhairva, Cāmunḍā, Śiva in Tanḍava pose etc.115
The Gajathara, or elephant course, in the basement is not so monotonous as on some temples where they are repeated in precisely the same stiff form all round; here, they are in all sorts of attitudes, some of them quarrelling and fighting with one another, more after the style of the great basement round
113/5. Dave K. B. Ambika Koteśvara ane Kumbharia'. p. 55. Here Fig. 102.
114. I. K. Inscrip. No. 8; NIA, Feb. '39. pp. 689-690.
*
38.4 Km. due south of Than. The city was founded in Sam. 1124 by Cudasama Anand, after whom it was named.
The temple of Anantesvers is also recognised as 'Navalakha' temple (CSTG. p. 54)
115 SMTK. p. 60. Plts. LXIX & LXX.