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 (ii) Canonical Principles discerned.
The early works like MP.2 Ag.P.3 G.P.4 etc. introduce the Sukanāsa4 as structure attached to the body of the Sikhara.
Ag.P. states that it should superimpose by the mukhamandapa ( antrarāla ),5 By Śūtra method, the curvature of the sukanāsa like that of the “ikhara is to be attained 6 and its position must be in the midst of the (front side ) of the Sikhara.? Its height must be one-half to that of the Sikhara.8 M. P. also corroborates the statement of Ag. P. pertaining to the height of the Sukanāsa.9 Its architectural form is prescribed similar to that of a Gavākșa (Sun-window).
The canonical works like Sm. Su., APPR. Dipā., KSR (MS); PM. give cannos about the width as well as the height of the Sukanāsa.
Sm.Su, states that the sukanāsa, at its bottom, has the width of the garbhagriha ( in the case of Nighūdba prāsāda ) or it is one and quarter or one and half times (in the case of the Sāndhāra prāsāda ) of the Garbhagļiha. 10
The early works have propounded the height of the Sukanāsa one-half to that of the Sikhara, but later canonical works like APPR;11, Dipā;12 PM.13 etc. give different variations as to its height, ranging from the ratio of 9:2, to 13:21.
A general instruction is imparted by the canonical works that the height of the Sukanāsa should correspond to the height of the Maņdapa i. e. the height of the super-structure of the mandapa. 14 2. M.P. CCLXIX.
8. Ibid. CIV. 10 3. Ag.P. XLII, 8, 15-16;
9. M.P. CCLXIX, 12. 4. G.P. XLVII, 4,13, CIV, 10. 10. Sm. Su. Lv, 94-100. 5. Ag. P. XLII. 8
11. APPR. CLXXXV, 11-13. 6. Ibid. 15.
12. Dipā. IX, 56-57. 7. lbid. 16.
13. PM. IV, 26. 14. Sm. Su. LXVII, 102, 110.