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 the carving belongs to about the 12th Cent, and on that account the age of this interesting structure is not far remote from that of the sun temple at Modhera.193
The temple seems to be Pancāyatana type of temple as it contains four small shrines at the corner. There are also traces of two toraņas in front of the temple. 1 9 4
Pawagadh (Dist. Baroda )
The most interesting monument at Pawagadh is the fine Siva temple at the eastern foot of the cliffs bearing Mātāji temple. It has been erected on a peninsula protruding into the tank; but most of the garbhagriha and Sikhara seem to have been blown up and have fallen in to the tank. The temple is not big, only 7.4 ms. long, but it is a masterpiece of architecture and sculpture. The mandapa consists of a quadrangular hall with the entrance porch-once supported on two columns-on one, the antarala on the other end, and a recessed image niche on either side. Eight columns with beautiful Kicaka figures support an octagonal ceiling drum, on which a beautiful ceiling slab is set, carved with a fine, lotuslike psedo-dome. The antarala has two smaller niches and a similar but much smaller ceiling. Above the Mandapa entrance there is the figure of Lakulisa, whereas the original lintel of the cella entrance has been replaced by a clumsy relief group, possibly on the occassion of a never completed repair in Akbar's reign, where as the interior of the Mandapa is spoiled by white wash. The Nandi in front of the temple corroborates its Saiva character.
The socle is rather simple almost plain, above two round mouldings there rises a frieze of monumental relief panels, generally three on each prominent section of the facade. Above
193. ARAB. '38 p. 6 para 12. 194. AB. p. 15. Pit. V. Also SE. Pit. XXV.