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 558

Appendix A
503 Here the number of Caitya arches rises to six and hence the spire is comparitively higher than that of the Sun temple at Pasa navada. The spire is adorned with the usual āmalaka and finial. The shafts of the pillars are square at the bottom, gradually growing round and tapering as they rise upwards. The bases of the pillars are usually square with torus at the centre. The bharaṇis or the capitals of the pillars have different carved figures such as the face of an elephant, a seated bull, a grāsa, a kicaka, the face of a tiger (vyāghra ) etc. The temple is, to a certain extent, restored. Srinagar*
The temple at Srinagar have been vaguely noticed. 3 1 There are three old temples worthy of notice. On the south of the village there are two temples one dedicated to the Sun 3 2 and the other to Siva 33 facing respectively east and west.
The temple dedicated to the Sun is renovated to a certain extent, but its original architectural form has been preserved. It is on a high plinth. The garbhagriha measuring 2.5 x 2.4 ms. is attached with a porch of 2.0 x 1.9 ms. The door of the garbha gļiha measures 1.7 X 0.9 m. The porch is open; its superstructure is rested on four pillars. The present superstructure is a new one, evidently added in place of the original superstructure which seems to have been lost. It is composed of horizontal tiers of diminishing size, placed one upon another and ornamented with triangular moulding. It culminates into the apex, attaining a shape like a Samvatņā.
The superstructure over the garbhagriha retains much of its original form. Over the plain walls of the garbhagriha there is a heavy cornice from which the horizontal tiers, ornamented with Caitya-arches rise one upon another of diminishing size till the apex of the sikhara is attained.
* 12.8 Kms. N. to Porbander, 31. SMTK. pp. 2-3. 32. Here Fig. 10.
33. Here Fig. 9.