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
larger shrines were of brick-each moulded and burnt in one peice. This work had been covered with fine plaster, cut whilst wet into the most delicate geometrical patterns ( See AANG. Plt. LXXVI ). But all this has suffered grievously from the weather, the greater part of it having peeled off.
The enclosure of the oldest temple measures over 31.3 ms. in length by 30.6 ms. in breadth and inside between the fronts of the cells-about 38 ms. by 21.3 ms. Two larger shrines project out from each of the enclosing side walls, and one from the end opposite to the main entrance. This last ( i. e. main entrance ) occupies the space of three cells, and from the right side of it to the corner about four cells have been broken down. On the left side of the court there is also an entrance which occupies the space of two cells and opposite it, and on both sides of the court, the continuation of the pillars of the portico is broken; otherwise it runs round the quadrangle. Exclusive of a very narrow closet on each side, the number of cells is forty-six in line and five large ones standing back, and which are properly temples. Inclusive of the principal shrine there are thus the favourite fifty-two in all.92
The temple dedicated to Vayu devatā in Gujarat is at Vayada* ( Dist. Banaskantha ). It is regarded as being the ancient Vāyuvața of the Vayupurāņa. Near the temple there is a step well. The images, of this temple and stepwell have been removed to Patan. The present temple still possesses a celebrated image of vāyu but it is not an original one which the old temple had formerly.93 The temple does not retain its original form.
92 AANG pp. 94-95 Pits. LXXIV, LXXV, LXXVB. * 3.2 Kms. south of the Banas river and 22-4 Kms. N W. of Patan. 93. AANG p. 112. Also BV. Vol. ví. (1949) Nos. 3 & 11 pp. 48-49. There is also a Vāyu temple at Baroda, which has images of both Vāyu and Vāyavi