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 whilst the low Semi-circular step-in the place of door-mat and which is often very elaborately carved, is termed half moon or ardh-candra roughly translated as moon stone (candra silā ). Almost all the Caulukyan temples have this sort of threshold and the ardhacandra moulding before it.
The texts APPR. & PM. and the KSR. (MS) have given the measurement of the Udumbara in relation to that of the door frame (jambs).
APPR. has given four measurements for the height of the Udumbara. It may be either equal or ), or ; or of the hieght of the Kumbha of the door frame.66 PM, supports this view.67
The mouldings of Udumbara.
The breadth of the door-frame should be divided into 3 equal parts. The middle part covers the moulding known as Mandarakā (Māņu, the local term ) having the shape of half-moon adorned with lotus leaves. This Mandārakā moulding, in height is divided into sub-mouldings like Jādyakumbha, Karņamālā etc. And on its two sides there are two moulding of Kirtivaktra (i. e. Kirtimukha or Grāsa ).68 Their ferocious appearance is described too.69 The mouldings on both the sides of the Udumbara should be similar to the lower mouldings of the door frame.70 Both the texts APPR. and PM. agree on this subject.
The Udumbara should be placed on the Ardhacandra which is in level with the Khuraka moulding (under Kumbhi moulding) of the door-frame. (The ground floor of the garbhagriha should be either }, } or 1 heigher than the Udumbara )71
66. APPR. CXXXIX, 9-10, KSR (MS) CIX, 8-9. 67. PM. III, 37,40 also Dipā VI, 36. 68. APPR. CXXIX, 13, 15; PM. III, 38-39. 69. APPR. CXIX. 16. 70. APPR. CXXIX, 17. PM. III, 39. 71. APPR. CXXIX, 11; KSR (MS). CIX, 9.