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 512

The Accessories of the Temple-Complex
457 The main Jain temples on Abu, Girnar, for instance have beautiful Balā nakas ( entrance-gates ) in the form of porches ( Cokis ). (c) Devakulikās
The large Jain temples, generally, contain the series of devakulikās fronted by corridors. The courtyard is enclosed by a number of cells, each containing an image of a tirthankara with his spiritual attendants ( Yaksas etc. ). The cells generally number 52 (or sometimes 72 ) and are all surmounted by their respective spires of the curvilinear form. The corridors in front of the cells are either open or covered.
This device of enclosing the temple within a rectangular court yard by means of range of cells, facing inwards, the whole forming a substantial surrounding wall, is known as Bāvanjinālaya (the temples having 52 cells ).
All the Jain temples at Abu, Girnar (Neminātha temple which contains 72 cells), Sarotra, Bhadresvar, etc. have such Devakulikās enclosing the temple.
(d) The Dipastambha : is considered to be one of the accessories of the temple complex. But among the old extant temples of Gujarat it is found specially in some Jain temples as for instance Neminātha temple at Girnar. It is also found in the famous Becharaji temple in Mehsana District. 3 1 (e) The tank or Reservoir ( Kunda )
Several temples are found associated with tank or reservoir 32 such as at Bhansara, Patan, Modhera, Tarnetar and Viramgam 31. The late Ranchhodaji temple at Dakor has two Dipastambhas. 32. The Damodara temple at Junagadh is associated with the Damodara Kuņda in front and the Revati Kunda on the right. The Revati Kunda contains 12 sculptures of the well known 24 forms of Visnu. Mahātmyas of several Dharmakşetras contain references to several Kundas or Vāpis in association with temples.
Sometimes certain tanks or reservoirs constructed independently and provided with flight of stepts, contain on all their sides small shrines