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
Its walls are richly carved. The sanctum enshrines the bust of an image which is worshipped as Brhamani.203
Khedbrahma (Dist. Sabarkantha)
On the bank of the confluence of the rivers Hiranyakṣi (Harnav), Kāmākṣi & Bhimakṣi near Khedbrahma there is an old Siva temple of Pankhanath. The temple faces west, and is restored several times. The shrine has a beautiful dancing figure of Śiva in one of the niches of the mandovara.203/1
The Brahma temple at Khedbrahma is in fair preservation with many features of architectural interest. It measures 17.5 × 9.1 ms. and is 18.3 ms. in height.
The style of Brahmaji temple, according to Henry Cousens, belongs to the 12th cent. The spire, dome and front part must have been destroyed and have been rebuilt in bricks and mortar. Fortunately the lower part of the main shrine has remained intact and it is full of good carving including the images of gods and goddesses and dancing girls, with the images of Brahma in the niches on the three sides. The inner part of the temple is quite simple and devoid of ornamental carving, 204
203. ARAB. 36-37, p. 8
203/1. AFIS. Plt. Vl. No. 14
204. AFIS. pp. 13-14. Plt. XXI. No. 44.
The idol of Brahma, is 1.8 ms. high and his two consorts stand on each side. The image does not seem to be original (ASIF to 14; Pl. VI. no. 15)
We have no inscriptional record as to the existence of Brahma temple during the reign of Caulukyan period. But on the strength of abudance of sculptures of Brahma found in many places it can be said that the cult of Brahma did exist from early times in Gujarat. We have two temples, one at Khedabrahma and other one among the triple temple of Kasara (Banasa Kantha ), dedicated ro Brahmā. The