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 garbhagriha facing west measures 1.8 X 1.8 ms. The shrine contains no image at present but the niche in the back wall implies that it was dedicated to Śiva. Its door is 1.4 x 0.8 m. The door lintel has Gaņeśa figure in the centre. Above the lintel there is a Navagraha panel. The door has double sets of door jambs, one is carved slightly while the other is profusely carved with figures of gods and goddesses and dancing damsels. The lower portions of the jambs contain standing figures of Ganga and Yamunā holding water pots in hands, The threshold has projecting grāsa on both the sides with a semi-circular step in the centre.
The garbhagļiha facing south measures 1.7 x 1.8 ms. It's back wall has left some traces of a recessed platform meant for the images of god Vişņu or Śakti or some other deity. In all other respects it resembles to that of the privious one.
The common mandapa measures 4.4 X 4.4 ms. It has dwarf walls' at the right angle except the entrances at which it opens out. On the dwarf walls rest the 12 dwarf pillars. Out of which 8 forming an octagon support the superstructure of the mandapa. The shafts of the dwarf pillars are square at the base, octagonal in the middle and round at the top which is merged with a band of couples. The capital over the pillar has grāsa and kicaka mouldings.
The ceiling of the maņdapa has six tiers with carvings of the lotus petals. The key-stone, nearly 1 meter in diameter, has no pendant but is itself carved with the design of the full blossomed lotus. Externally the superstructure is adorned with Samvaraņā (Samaraņa),
The external walls of the garbhagļihas have lateral projections terminating into vertical chases with horizontal mouldings like Jadambo, Kaņi, Chājali, Graspati, Kumbho, Chājali,
Janghā, Grāsapati, Kevāla, Andhāri and a projecting Chhajā, These mouldings are bold. The Janghā is adorned with beautiful figures of gods, godesses, dancing damsels etc.