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 386

The Architectural Forms of Temples
331 projections in the ground plan form the main factors which determine and differentiate one variety of the temple from the other. So the plans with one, two, three or more projections have different nomenclatures in traditional works.
The ground plan mostly corresponds to the plan of the curvilinear superstructure and correspondingly it takes one, two, three or even mores śrungas, Ușuśệungas etc. This will also constitute a differentiating factor for the nomenclature.
In the elevational aspect the Caulukyan temples are divided into three main sections viz. the pītha (basement ) the mandovara ( wall-face upto the entablature ) and the “ikhara (spire ).
The Pitha is composed of a series of mouldings and string courses. The additions, substraction and repetetion of these mouldings will differentiate one temple from the other. Similarly in the maņdovara, exclusively reserved for figure sculptures, the addition and substraction of figures also will constitute one more factor for distinguishing one variety from the other.
The profile of the Sikhara is also one of the leading factors determinant of sub-types or varieties of temples.
From the view point of the temple complex the later cononical works like Sm. Su. and Appr. etc., assume the similar from or general plan offered by the early works like Br., Sm., M. P., Ag. P. etc. It makes it clear that from the very early times the different members of the temple complex were known. The early as well as the traditional works, 194 so, on the strength of the addition (such as those of maņdapas and porches etc.) and the substraction of various limbs, wall mouldings and superstructures of the temple complex formed variations in the type of temples giving rise to several varieties. This is also seen in the case of extant Caulukyan temples.
194. 'Antarāla' seems added in later works; but its addition does not contribute to the variation and nomenclature of the temple-type.