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 583

The Structural Temples of Gujarat
From local inquiry it is learnt that the original temple belonged to Varaha. This is supported by the big image of Varaha represented in theriomorphic form, preserved in the compound of the temple.
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The garbhagriha (3.1×2.6 ms.) is rectangular. The door measures 1.7x0.8 ms. The door-frame is probably carved with recessed niches for gods and goddesses and dancing damsels. The door lintal and threshold also contain beautiful carvings. Figures of various incarnations of Visnu are carved in the niches of the lintal.
The interior of the garbhagriha is plain, however, the northern wall as well as the southern wall is each relieved by a recessed and ornate niche which contains a beautiful seated image of trimurti with the face of Visnu in the centre.55
The walls on all sides contain panels of the figures of the 24 forms of Viņu, nearly 0-6 m. in height arranged in a pair of three sculptures each near the corners.
The garbhagriha contains a ceiling with ascending tiers carved with lotus petal design. The key-stone is marked with hanging pendant. Over this rises the Sikhara which is a recent addition.
The half covered maṇḍapa is almost sqare measuring 3.8x3.7 ms. The dwarf walls of the mandapa support the dwarf pillars. The shafts of the pillars are square at the base with pot-foliage mouldings, octagonal in the middle and round at the top with grasspatți ornaments over them. They are 12 in number out of which 8 support the dome of the mandapa. Its ceiling corresponds to that of the garbhagriha in design and carving.
There is also a half covered porch in front of the mandapa. It measures 2 x 2 ms. The two projecting pillars of the porch are similar to those of the mandapa. The exterior of the temple
55. The image is nearly one meter high and it has 16 hands. In design and carving it is similar to that of trimurti found on the exterior wall of Limbojā-mātā temple at Delmal (AANG. pl. LXIX).