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 262

Structural Temples after the end of the Caulukyan Period
207
Sarotra
The old Jain temple at Sarotra# is popularly known as Bāvandhajā, as the principal shrine is surround by 52 small cells ( Devakulikās ). The principal shrine stands in a rectangular court measuring 16.6 X 27.4 ms, over the walls. The back or south end and a large portion of east side and a portion of the sculptured walls of s. w. corner of the central temple has been fallen. Dr. Sankalia assignes this temple to the 13th-14th cent. A. D. on stylistic ground.2
In plan the temple is almost identical with several other Jain temples-such as that of Bhadresvar at Kaccha, of Neminātha at Giruar, of Vimala and the of Tejapāla at Abu; there are of course divergencies in detail.
The temple faces north, and the front half of the court, like the Bhadresvar and Vimala temple is roofed quite across by means of lintels connecting the front maņdapa with the pillars of the corridor. This Mandapa is roofed by a dome standing as usual, on an octagon of lintels over the pillars. Four steps-in three divisons-between the columnis on the inner side of the mandapa, lead up as at Bhadresvar and Abu, to the pillared platform in front of the temple itself, which is also almost a copy of the Bhadresvar temple; and consists of a principal mandapa supporting a dome on eight pillars attached to angles of the walls with a small antichamber in front of the adytum.
The whole temple, stands on a raised podium or basement, and is approached by 9 or 10 steps under a projecting porch, and has special shrines for the Yakşiņi and Devatā on each side the entrance and which like all others, are entered from the court, but are walled off from the rest of the bhamati.27
* 9.6 Kms. S. W, of Chandravati on river Banas. 26. AG. p. 111; AANG Plts. X; LXXVII, 2; LXXVIII, LXXIX. 27. AANG. P. 100.