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 Kinderkheda, Pasthar, Sejakpur in Saurastra; Kotai, Khedakot, Bhadresvara in Kaccha and Vadnagar, Sunak, Sarotra and Shankhesvara in northern Gujarat and Dabhoi in southern Gujarat were probably, built at such sites of habitation.8
From the study of the sites associated with extant temples it can be ascertained that in selection of the site for the construction of a temple great attention was paid to the surroundings of the temple, and that in the selection emphasis was laid on pleasant sites of the nature, such as the sea, rivers, mountains, etc. Many of these sites, naturally lay in the vicinity of places of human habitation, as temples were intended for devotees.
These types of sites to be selected for temples are also prescribed in several works of the Vastusastra 9
All the works recomnded that temples should be constructed on sites which are sacred as well as pleasant. Among such
8. Similarly the small temples at Suvan, Pindara, Boricha, Dhrasanvela Vasai, Anandpur, Parbadi, Asoda, Mandrapur, Kamboi-Solanki, Piludra etc. are situated amidst habitation sites. 9. While dealing with the selection of site vastušāstras also give hints about the investigacion into the characterstics of the soil and the scope for its final choice ( vide : Byht. Sam. LIII, 96, 97; Bh. P. CXXX, 42-45; VDP. XCIII; Man. III, 16-32, IV, 4-38; V, 20-30; 34-37; Sm. Su. VIII; APPR. LI; VVS. VI, 8-29; VTF I, 3-5, 1-20; Raj. I, 13-30; VR. pp. 8-10; SD I, 22-23; SR. Il 85-90; Brss. I, VI; 52-156.) Some of the old temples in Gujarat have survived for several centuries, while many other seem to have parished in course of time. The disapperance of extinct temples rests on many other grounds in addition to that of the faulty selection of the soil. Under these circumstances it is not possible to ascertain how far the judgement in the selection of the site on the basis of solidity of the soil may be illustrated by the durability or otherwise of temples built in old times.