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 510

The Accessories of the Temple-Complex
455 The toraņa at Piludra is in a dilapidated condition. 30 The basement moulding seems to be buried underground; the torana (or arch) is missing whereas the upper arch is mostly broken. Though many of its decorative sculptures are destroyed, the extant remains indicate that the torana was like the toranas at Vadnagar, Siddhpur and Kapadvanj both in the number of its mouldings and their decorations,
The torana is believed to have been the main entrance to the Sun temple. This local belief seems to be justified., because besides the remains of the temple which are said to be buried under debris near by, the central figure of the architrave, upper arch, though considerably mutilated, appears to be a seated image of Surya (perhaps in the Utakatikaāsana) 1 and his emblem, the lotus, is still visible in the right hand.
A similar toraņa also stands in the Ranchhodji temple at Valam,2 2
The toraņa at Asoda (Jasamalnātha temple ) is peculiar. The ornamental arch is here springing from the mouth of makara resting on a standing lion on each side. 2 3
The torana at Shamalaji 26 is also noteworthy.
It is situated in the front of the old temple known as Harishchandrani Cori.a? The structure is composed of a base, two pillars and a lintel. The surmounting superstructures Kūţachhādyas etc. are missing, only a very small fragment of a cornice is still surviving overlying the lintel providing a clue for the superstructure.
20, Here Figs. 214/c-214/d. 21. AG. pp. 98-99. 22. Here Fig. 212. 23. ARAB. 38. p. 6. 26. A detailed study of this structure has been given by Shri S. N. Chowdhary. Journal of M. S. University, Baroda. VIII, 1, pp. 39-50. 27. SSR. P. 34 Fig. 20 a; Here Fig, 214/a.