________________
CHAPTER VI
THE DOOR-FRAME OF THE GARBHAGRIHA
(1) The architectural treatment in the extant temples
The door frame of the garbhagriha comprises the two vertical jambs supporting the lintel containing a central dedicatory block. The lower horizontal member is known as threshold. It rests mostly in the centre of the front garbha wall to a small height from the ground level.
The usual proportion of height to width of the opening of the door way in most of extant temples is nearly 2:1 in ratio. The jambs are carved into vertical sections or mouldings. some projecting and other recessed. The fascial thus formed may be 3, 5, 7 or 9 in number. They are usually decorated with a creaper and leaves, or with lozenge-shaped ornament, or a square and a circle, or with dancing figures etc. The lower member threshold may be lavishly decorated. The lintel may contain various panels of Gods and Goddesses or may be ornamented with various designs.
The door threshold, at times, projects outward, in that case it contains a semi-circular drum like moulding in the centre, and on each side of it there is a projecting Kirtimukha face. The space between the projecting threshold and the ground floor of the antarala to mandapa as the case may be, is filled with an elaborately carved slab.
On the centre of which is carved the figure of his consort, Gaṇeśa.
Jain Education International
the lintel is a small projecting block on deity to whom the temple is dedicated, vehicle or other sacred emblem-usually
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
