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 569

The Structural Temples of Gujarat
samvarṇā type, is, now, covered with bricks and stucco; while the lower and internal portion falling in the mandapa contains a beautifully carved ceiling (fig. 190) which contains five courses (i. e. kolas & gajatālus ). The frieze under these courses is
depicted with war and amorous scenes, elephant fights,
scenes of playing cards, instrumental music, hunting etc. Central pendant of the ceiling seems extinct. 38/1
Hirapur (Dist. Sabarkantha ).
The temple known as Ujaleśvara is of pancayatana type. The central shrine is dedicated to Śiva. The garbhagriha of the shrine has an image of Parvati which seems original one, while the present linga is of later date. The shrine door simple in design and carving is of tri-sakha type. The lower portions of the shrine, maṇḍapa and porch are buried in the ground but the carvings on the beems reveal the style assignable to postCaulukyan period. The maṇḍovara of the shrine contains beautiful sculptures of Dikpälas, Camundā etc.
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One of the corner shrine is completely destroyed. The rest are dedicated to Gaṇeśa, Surya and Visņu. The niches on the walls of the shrine is dedicated to Surya contain mutilated figures of Surya,
38/1. A huge mound of several architectural remains such as lintels and jambs of the door-ways, vase & foliage pillars, capitals carved with huge figures or kicakas, beautifully carved beams, peices of spires, semi-spires, amalaśilās and a number of sculptures found on the southern skirt of the tank, the place being popularly known as Munja Sakara associated with a Muslim grave-yard, suggest that once there stood a considerable large temple which is now completely ruined.
Shri M. A. Dhaky on the analogy of similar carving ascribes the date of the temple to that of the Sunak temple. Moreover he is of the opinion that the temple was dedicated to Visnu (CSTG. p. 77 ). The inference is drawn, perhaps, from a loose sculpture of Trimurti', the figure having a Visņu in the centre found at a furlong away from the northern skirt of the lake.