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 Architectural Forms of Temples
The socle (pitha) and the wall surface (maṇḍovara) consist of series of mouldings, sometimes plain, usually ornamented with respective motifs in an order specifically fixed by tradition.
The superstructure, surmounting the sanctum and corresponding to the vertical chases rising from the surface of the wall, to the apex is the tall curvilinear Sikhara adorned on all sides with urusṛngas and sṛngas (replica of main Śikhara) members, and crowning elements. The superstructures over the maṇḍapa and porch are low pyramidal roofs, composed of diminishing horizontal courses placed one over the other.
Further, in the case of a few of the larger temples the mandapa and the porch are raised in height by multiplying the height of their walls and pillars in two or more stories. Correspondingly the height of the walls of the garbhagriha is also multiplied.
In the arrangement of the interior the Caulukyan temple displays some notable features.
The peristyle mandapa is composed of richly carved pillars. As in the elevation of the temple outside, the pillars are also divided into three principal sections, a moulded base, an elegantly carved shaft (further sub-divided into decorative horizontal zones) and the capital. The manḍapa projects on the outside, the side projections usually accommodate Kakṣāsanas with leaning parapets and the front projection accommodates the entrance or coincides with the porch.
The porch, too, is accommodated with leaning seats on
its both sides.
The walls of the Caulukyan temples differ from those of the pre-Caulukyan temples in three respects, (1) a number of recessed sides and corners (2) profuse figure sculptures and ornamentation on them (3) a series of base and wall-mouldings.
In a few examples shrines of two or three different temples are planned in such a way that they may have a common maṇḍapa between them. The Caumukha (Four faced)