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 It is a temple dedicated to Sun-god, with a black stone image of the Sun worshipped in it. But the image does not seem to be as old as the shrine. Outside the Sabhāmaņdapa of the temple on one side, is another smaller temple of Sun, in which is worshiped another image of the sun-god. Near the entrance door of this shrine is preserved a big marble sculpture of Sun, partly mutilated, which seems to have been the image originally installed in the main shrine. On one of the pillars of the Sabhāmaņdapa is carved a beautiful disc (Cakra ) of the Sun while on two others are inscriptions dated in V. S. 1204 ( A. D. 1148). There are a few more smaller shrines, in this area, with images of some goddesses and Sūrya. There is a small dilapidated shrine of Śiva which has śiva-linga, and sculptures of Sūrya, Seșaśāyi Nārāyaṇa, Vişņu, Haragauri and others. Remains of buildings are scattered around the hill with mutilated sculptures lying amongst them. About 0.8 Km. from this area are the remains of an ancient city called Lakhāvati (Now Lakhav) where big sized bricks and old scuptures are still recovered. 180 The site seems built in the middle of the 12th cent. A. D.
At Becharaji, ( Dist. Mehsana) there are three temples to the goddess, of which two are termed Ādya sthāna, the original places, and the middle temple or Madhya sthāna. The first of these encloses the Varkhāriā tree whence the goddess first issued. The tiny temple, 4.7 x 5.8 ms, was built in V. S. 1208 (A.D. 1152) by Sankhal Raj, after whom the neighbouring village is named. The second or middle temple was built by Maratha Fadnis, of whom and whose date no record existed, and is 3.7x3 ms. 181
180. HA. p. 194. 181. The largest temple, the principal plance of worship, was built by H. H. Mahājirao Gaikwar in V. S. 1835 ( A.D. 1779), but as several years were spent in constructing the edifice, the final installation of goddess did not take place till V.S. 1847 (A. D. 1791). It is a large stone building of 15•2X 9•1 ms. having two domes and one spire to cover