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 210

Structural Temples of the Caulukyan Period
155 Of all these temples which ascribed to Kumārapāla none have survived.
The present tradition points to his erection of certain Jain temples on Satrunjaya, Girnar and Taranga. But these temples are restored frequently and hardly affored any indications of their original form. However, the present form of temples may be given in its main out line. Kumarapala's temple (Kumāravihāra ) on Satrunjaya Hill ( Dist. Bhavnagar )*.
It is one of the oldest extant temples on the hill. It is roofed and forms a fine block with low towers. It is dedicated to Ādinātha, 1st Tirthankara. The door is of yellowish stone beautifully carved. The garbhagợiha has a beautiful canopy of bluish marble over the head of Rishabhadeva. There is a big hall with niches. 164 Kumārapāla's temple (Kumāravihāra ) on Girnar (Dist. Junagadh )
It is dedicated to Abhinandana Swami or the 4th Tirthankera. The temple has a big Sabhāmaņdapa in the walls of which are several 'Devakulīkās' containing images of Tirthankeras. It seems there was, at one time, a corridor round the temple. 165
It has a long open portico on the west supported by 24 columns. The temple proper i. e. Maņdapa and shrine are small and the ceilings and architraves bear marks of iconoclastic violence. Indeed, towards the end of last century there was little of this temple standing except the maņdapa with its beautiful pendentive and the pillars and lintels of portico. 166
* The temple is kept in such a state of constant repairs that it is difficult to say how much of it belongs to the time of Kumārpāla. 164. JG. pp. 80-81; SMIK. Plt. XCV. § An inscription of A. D. 1824 shows that it was repaired by Anandaji Kalyanji and Hansaraja Jetha. 165. AKK. Plt. xxxiii. 166. AKK. p. 168