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 66

The Evolution of the Caitya-gļiha
11 work existed, probably as railing and crowning umbrella. The casket containing the relics are on view to the Junagadh Museum. 29
The relics of the Sopārā Stūpa, which are assigned to the middle of the 2nd cent. A. D. were discovered by Dr. Bhagwanlal Indraji in 1882 at a depth of 3.7 ms. from the top of the mound at Sopārā in a regularly built chamber of bricks of the early centuries of the Christian era. They consisted of a large stone-casket with a lid, which when opened disclosed copper-casket; around which, eight bronze images of Buddha were arranged. 30
The Stūpa, At Devani-Mori.*
With an elongated drum it rests on two square platforms, the lower one of which measures 26 meters square. The first phase of the existing stūpa may be dated (A, D, 300-400 ). Twenty two images of Buddha in dhyāna-mudrā have been found.
29 CHG. PL. XV (B) opp. p. 72 30. CHG. p. 91 * Taluka Bhiloda, Dist. Sabarkantha, Gujarat. haha
P. S.- Recently its relic-casket is unearthed. It bears an inscription which records that the stūpa was erected in years 127 of the Kathika kings, while Rudrasena was the king. On ascribing the year to the Śaka Era that was in common use in the Kşatrapa kingdom, the year would correspond 205-06 A. D. and king Rudrasena would be identical with king Rudrasena l of the Kārdamaka lineage of Western Kşatrapas. (JOI. IX. p. 459.). But on several grounds the stūpa seems to be of a later period. It is, therefore, proposed to ascribe the year to the Kalcuri Era and equate it with 376-77 A. D. (JGRS. XXV, 100, p. 289). Rudrasena is accordingly identified with Rudrasena III among the Western Kşatrapas. It is also possible that the year belong to a Kathika Era, the epoch and origin of which are unknown and king Rudrasena belong to Kathika dynasty which has come to be known only through this record. (JOI. XV, pp. 59-65)