Jaina Art and Architecture Vol 02

SR No.: 011013
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A Ghosh
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 326
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 133

CHAPTER 22]
CENTRAL INDIA
the Vamana temple lies in the decoration of the top or third row of the janghā which in the case of the Vāmana shows diamonds in niches. The present temple, however, represents in the top row a spirited band of flying Vidyādharas which is also found on the Pārsvanātha, Javāri, Caturbhuja and Dūlādeo temples. Nevertheless, it can be affirmed with some plausibility that this temple is nearer in date to the Vāmana than any other local temple. As its sikhara is not as squat and heavy as that of the Vāmana but shows better proportions, it appears to be slightly more evolved and later in date than the Vāmana.
This temple stands on a 1-m. high jagati of moderate dimensions. The original mouldings of thc jagati are lost and its faces are completely restored.
The mouldings of the adhişthāna stand on the bhitta-courses comprising (1) a plain course (khara-šila), (2) a course decorated with diamonds framed by stunted pilasters (cf. a similar moulding on the Dūlādeo temple), (3) plain jād ya-kumbha, and (4) a projecting madhya-bandha decorated with lotuspetals. Above the bhitta occur the mouldings of the pitha or basement consisting of (1) jād ya-kumbha, (2) karnikā, and (3) grāsa-pastikā. That the grāsa-patřikā marks the plinth-level is shown by a makara-pranāli or gargoyle projecting above this level from the north face of the sanctum. Above the grāsa-patrikā rest the vedi-bandha-mouldings consisting of (1) khura, (2) kumbha decorated diamonds in niches, (3) kalasa, (4) kapota, and (5) projecting pattikā decorated with diamonds alternating with rosettes.
The janghā shows three rows of sculptures, the top row being smaller in size. The two lower rows contain figures of gods and goddesses alternating with apsarases on projections and vyālas in recesses, while the top row has figures of Vidyādharas on projections and Vidyādhara-mithunas in recesses. The Vidyadhara figures are distinguished by dynamic movement and are represented as carrying garlands or playing on musical instruments or brandishing weapons. The facades of the antarăla as well as the bhadras of the sanctum show four niches, of which the lowest occurs on the kumbha-moulding of the basement and the upper three at the same level as the sculptural bands. The uppermost niche is a complete replica of the balconied window of the Khajuraho temples and contains each a group of three standing figures. The three lower niches depict Jaina deities.
The bandhana-moulding between the first and middle rows shows gräsa-pattikā surmounted by a projecting pattikā, while that between the middle and top rows consists of grasa-pattikä surmounted by a projecting
289