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 278

Structural Temples after the end of the Caulukyan Period 223
The temple of Sundarvar at Mandavi (Kaccha) belongs to Vaishṇava sect and is said to have been built by Rao Khengarji of Kaccha in V. S. 1631 ( 1574 A. D.). The platform or podium on which it stands is buried about 1.3 ins. in the ground, probably on account of the deposits of earth and mud.
The temple faces the west. It is entered by a domed Sabhāmaņdapa with domed porches on three sides and triangular projections on the square of the maņdapa, on which is a dome, supported by eight pillars, partly octagonal and partly circular. The dome is formed of tiers of concentric centres, each projecting over the one below, till they terminate in the centre, from which hangs a lotus. The diameter of this dome is 5 ms. There are parapet walls or Vedikā on the sides and front of the outer porches and on the sides of the Sabhamandapa, with seats for visitors. The backs of these Vedikā, slope at an obtuse angle for persons to lean upon, and are carved. Leaving the Sabhāmaņdapa we come to an oblong space 1.5 ms. In the screen walls of this, there are niches in which, instead of Ganapati of the Saiva temple, the holy water (Carņāmrta) is kept
The shrine measures inside 3 ms, by 3.3 ms. On a stone base called Kamalasana, is a wooden frame, lined and canopied with silk cloths, wherein stands the image of Sundarvarji, of black basalt dressed in a variety of cloths. The lintel of the door is carved with figures, but they are weather worn and painted. The two corbels in the facade of the shrine are ornamented with figures of monkeys.
The outside of the temple has mouldings similar to other Hindu temples with a series of offsets rising to the spire. It's hejght is about 108 ms. The sides have two belts of figures and other carvings. There are, besides, niches in the sides, wherein the figures of Brhamä, Vişnu, Siva, Bhavādi, Lakshmi, Bhairava etc. are placed, but these sides are so