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 348

The Architectural Forms of Temples
293
and the shape and design of the ornamental arches and finials, the temple may be considered to be the latest, at least in point of style, among the temples of Gop type25
Among the temples of the Gop type in Saurashtra a rectangular design of the sanctum may be recognised in the so-called Varaha temple at Kadvar.26 Another such rectangular temple with a distinctly stepped arrangement of the superstructure is found at Kalsar. Here the rectangular sanctum is preceded by a mandapa also of rectangular design, 27 The superstructure in each consists of a few stepped courses, relieved by Caitya arches.28
The superstructure of pre-Caulukyan temple got gradually modified to the curvilinear form. The different stages of the transition may be traced for instance, in following temples:
(a) The old sun temple at Boricha and Kinderkheda.
(b) An old temple at Son Kansari and the sun temple at Pasanavada.
(c) The sun temples at Sutrapada, Pasthar and Akhodar.
(d) The Kalika-mata temple at Dhrasanvel and the second sun temple at Visavada.
As regards the ground plan of the pre-Caulukyan temples, the temple of simplest type simply consists of the sanctum or garbhagriha as for instance at Boricha, 29 Odadar,30 Pindara, 31 Bhansar, 32 Son Kansara,33 Visavada, 34 Pasthar35 etc.
25. S. E. pp. 585-586.
26. SMTK. pp. 38-39; AG. pp. 60,63; Here Fig. 4.
27. S. E. Pit. XXI. Fig. 44.
The temple faces east. The longer side to south while that of the porch runs 28. S. E. p. 586. 29. Here Fig 14.
30. Here Fig. 36. 31. Here Fig. 13.
of the sanctum runs from north east to west.
32. Here Figs. 33-35.
33. Here Fig. 41.
34. Here Fig. 4. 35. Here Fig. 40.