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 474

The Vertical Parts of the Mandapa
419
of the temple to which they belong. The base or Kumbhi is octagonal and is surrounded by eight niched facets, each of which is invariably occupied by a small figure of a seated devi. Above the kumbhi and separated by a narrow neck, is the section corresponding to the jangha of walls, containing the standing figures probably of demi-gods. Above these are two bands of devi's eight in each; than small projecting corbels to support the bracket figures that generally adorn the capitals of these pillars. Over these again rise the bharani and siras or bracket capital. The columns are elaborately worked from top to bottom, and the outer ones have deep brackets thrown out from their sides to add to the support of the lintel above. The brackets of the sur-capitals, that carried the ends of the cross beams, by the directions in which they project, give us a clue to the arrangement of the other columns. 22/1
The pillars that remain of the north and east porches are surmounted by deep architraves supporting low parapets, and over those on the north stand two short pillars and two pilasters supporting the upper lintels of the second storey. The columns of these porches are of the same pattern as those already described; and those in the upper storey correspond pretty nearly in their mouldings to the upper portions of the lower ones. 22/2
The Pillars of the Old Somnatha Temple at Prabhas
The pillars of the Gūdha mandapa were of three types.
(1) Pillars of the first type resemble the large columns at Modhera. They have an octagonal base, ornamented with pointed triangles; above it, separated by Kalasa, two bands and a deep neck with the panelled standing figures; above this, similarly separated is a smaller band of seated gods. After this, the shaft becomes sixteen-sided and is decorated with petals. Over this
22/1. AANG. p. 66-68 Plts. XLIII ( 1, 2, 3, 4); Here Figs. 93. 94, 95, 98. 22/2. Here Fig, 97.