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 266

Structural Temples after the end of the Caulukyan Period 211 Dharaṇivihāra temple at Ranakpur*
The consecration ceremony of the existing catur-mukha prāsāda (four faced temple), popularly known as Dharaṇivihāra at Ranakpur built by Dharmasha, was performed by Somasundara Sūri (A. D. 1373-4-1442-3) in V. S. 1496 (A. D. 1440),35
In plan the temple is nearly square (68.8 × 61 ms.) exclusive of the projection on each face, thus, covering a space of over 3600 square meters and it consists of 29 halls containing as many as 420 pillars, the design of no two of which are alike. The temple is three-storeyed building and in all it is supported by 1424 columns or pillars. Such a large and extensive conception can hardly claim to be an unified whole, and as a matter of fact it resolves itself into a comprehensive structural scheme consisting of an orderly aggregation of shrines, symmetrically disposed arround a larger one in the centre, the entire complex erected on a lofty plinth and contained within a high and solid boundary wall, to which 66 cells are attached facing to its inner side. Of the śikharas there are five, the largest and most prominent surmounting the central sanctuary, with each of the others over a corner shrine, while the cupolas are 20 in number, each forming the roof of the pillared hall.
From the middle of three sides of the enclosing rectangle project the temple entrances, each a double storied portal of great elegance, that on the west being the largest, thus denoting the principal approach. Each of these entrances leads through a series of columned courts into the main halls of the temple
19.2 Kms. from Falana (Rajsthana) Station (W. Rly.)
35. The temple is also named 'Trailokya dipaka'.
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'Tribhuvana vihara', 'Nalinigulma vihara' etc. There is inscription in the temple recording the aforesaid date; also recorded by Kavi Meha in his 'Rānigapur Caturmukha prāsāda stavana', composed in V. S. 1499 (A. D. 1443).
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