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 temple of Tejapāla otherwise known as Lūņavasahi at Abu is dedicated to Neminātha, the 22nd Tirthankara, and was built by Tejapāla for increasing the religious merits of his wife Anupamadevi and their son Lūnasinha (sk. Lāvanyasimha ). There are 32 inscriptions in this temple of which three relate to the erection of the main temple and contain historical information of importance while the rest are small ones recording that Tejapala in the years following the erection of temple ( V. S. 1287 A. D. 1231 ) did not cease to enlarge and embellish the sanctuary which he had created. These small inscriptions are engraved on the lintels of several cell shrines in the corridor of the temple and record the erection of those shrines, or of images of Jinas and Tirthankaras, by Tejapāla for the religious merit of the various members of his family, amongst whom was also included Tejapāla's second wife, Sri Suhadādevi.2 27
Situated near the Vimalavasahi, it has similar fine carvings and is composed of the garbhagļiha (main sanctum) the Gudhamandapa, the Navacoki, the rangamaņdapa, balāņaka (i. e. Dvārmaņdapa, a pavilion on the main entrance) Khatakas (big niches looking like miniature shrines on two sides of wall ) row of cells or Devukulikās in pillared-corridor and also is adorned with Hastiśālā. The Mūlanāyaka in the temple was consecrated in V. S. 1287 (1230 A. D.) 227/1
In this Lūņavasahi, on two sides of the entrance from Navacoks into Gūdhmaņdapa are two big niches (Khatakas) with ornamental frame-work of fine carvings which were built by
three of the six Girnar Inscriptions. The number of temples and amount spent by Vastupāla and Tejapāla as narrated by him is quite fantastic and were recorded due to the predilection for gross flattery.on the part of Someśvara. Similarly accounts given by him in his Kirtikaumudi are also exaggerated. 227. E. I. VIII, 200-209 also BPSI. pr. 218-220. 227/1. Here Figs. 119-123 & 240.