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 514

The Accessories of the Temple-Complex
459 outwards from the middle of each of the sides and in the middle of these on the first terrace below the ground level small detached shrines stand, each facing the tank. 34
The sides of the tank descend to the water in terraces, of which the drop from one to another is some what considerable, and steps running parallel to them would give no resting places; hence, from small landings above, a few cross-steps at right angles to the sides descend at both ends to the next terrace below. Access is thus secured from terrace to terrace by these numerous little stairs.
The terraced descent is decorated with small shrines. Besides these shrines there are numerous niches which contain images. The noteworthy images from the small shrines are Vişņu reposing on seșa, 36 Trivikrama, and a sculpture of Sitalā. (ii) Canonical principles discerned
APPR.36 imparts a separate chapter on Kirtitoraņa under the head of Torana. It describes five varieties of the Toraņa. They are Utturga, Mālādhara, Vicitra, Citra-rupaka and Makaradhvaja by name. Dipā. follows APPR.3 7
The varieties differ from each other especially in the number of the pillars and/or other component parts like Mikās and Matavāraņas. The Uttunga variety contains only one pair of pillars while the other varieties have one or two pairs more. The extant toranas in Gujarat all contain one pair of pillars and hence belong to the Uttunga variety. APPR. prescribes dimensions of the different parts of its pillars and enjoins to provide them with tilakas and makaras as well as with arches (toranas) with three decorated curves (Illikas) on each side. The texts also recommends to install figure of Sadāśiva in the centre and that of Brhamā and that of Vişņu on the right and left respectively. 34. For arrangement of Shrines vide AANG. Plt. XLVIII; also p. 80. 35 The installation of Seşaśāyı Vişņu on the east is significant in its association with a reservoir (Jalásraya ). 36. APPR. CXCIV. 1-13.
37. Dipā Ill. 32–33.