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 During the restoration of the temple by Bhāva, a strong fortress on the north and south of the God (temple) was built ( देवस्य दक्षिणे भागे उत्तरस्यां तथा दिशि विधाय विषमं दुर्ग प्रावयत यः पुरंInscrip. line 29 V. 24). Gold-pinnacles were placed on the (temple of) Gauri, Bhimeśvara, Kapardi (Śira), Siddheśvara and other divinities probably surrounding the principal shrine of Somanātha (गौर्या भीमेश्वरस्याथ तथा देवकपदिनः सिद्धेश्वरादि देवानां यो हेमकलाशन् दधौInscrip. line 30, V. 25). Further a Court room 24Tist for the kings to assemble and a vāpi, a room (Maņdapa ) before the temple of Karpadi ( Siva ) were added ( Inscri. line. 30-31 vv. 26-27 ) and the temple of Pāpamocana was also restored (919aaa aael JETE JACHET-Line 31-32 V. 28 ). Thus a new town of Somanātha was erected by Ganda and on the way to it he made two vāpīs and there established another shrine of Candikā ( Inscri. line : 33 V. 30 ). 139
From the epigraphic records, therefore, the temple complex which was erected during the reign of Kumārpāla would be as follows: the main temple, a Nripaśālā, a kitchen, a thearte hall and a toraņa; this group of building being flanked on its north and south by forts. 140
The main temple of Sumanātha which faced the east, consisted when entire of a large central closed hall, or Gudhmandapa, with three entrances, each protected with a deep lofty porch, and the shrine-the sanctum sanctorum-which stood upon the west side of the hall, having a broad pradaksiņā or
139. BPSI. pp. 187-188 140. CG. p. 372. In the vicinity of the temple of Somanātha as narrated by Skanda purāņa ( 9th-10th cent. A. D. ) there once stood a temple dedicated to Daityasūdana Vişņu. A few fragments of its Janghā images have been recently recovered from around this site. These include a five figure of dikpāla Kubera, two images of Vişņu in Samabhanga posture and an image of a form of Vişņu shown engaged in killing an animal formed demon (CSTG. p. 76).