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
the temples at Sunak, Sander, Kasara, Modhera, Somnatha, Sejakpur and Ghumali.
The design which is called 'string course, scroll, or creeper' is essentially floral. Among the pre-Caulukyan temples it is found to a certain extent on the door frame of the Kadvar temple, where it is mixed up with a diamond design.
The door jambs of the shrines of temples at Modhera, Delmal, Kasara, Lovarali, Vadnagar, etc. are lavishly decorated with running flower and creeper pattern.
The square, round, lozenges adorned with flowers and creepers and encircled by rosary are the composite form of floral and geometrical designs.
(ii) Canonical Principles Discerned
Early works refer to decorative sculptures.51 Br. Sm.52 while describing the door-jambs enjoins that they should be decorated with auspicious birds, Svastika, designs, vessels, mithuns, leaves, creepers etc. Ag. P.53 also states that the mithuna figures should be carved on the door-jambs. The door jambs of the several Caulukyan temples are adorned with such decorations.
Sm. Su. refers to floral decorations in respect to pillars and the arches to be adorned with makara faces. In respect to ceilings and door-frames it also imparts injunctions pertaining to their floral decorations.54 The bhuṣaṇa ( decorative sculptures) on the walls of the temples described by it, consists of several decorative sculptures of demi-gods, goddesses and guardian of regents. 55
51. Several Purāņas, deal with iconographical sections (Pratimā Vijnana), but the descriptions relate to images of deities to be worshipped.
52. Br. Sm. LV.
53. Ag. p. CXL, 30,
54. Sm. Su. XLIX, 72-73; XXXIV, 30-31.
55. Sm. Su. LV, 117-123.