Holy Abu

SR No.: 023259
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantvijay
Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 380
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 14 MB

Page 220

Kharatara Vasahi ( Chaumukha Temple)]
137
rangements for the shrines of Shrīmātā etc., the temple built by Bhīmā Shāha is noticed, but this shrine is not mentioned. A Surahi (memorial pillar) inscription outside the Pittalahara temple, dated in V.S. 1489, expressly mentions that there are only three Jaina shrines at Delvāḍā. These facts clearly suggest that the Kharatara Vasahi was built after 1497 V. S. and probably by Samghavi Maṇḍalika in 1515 V.S. (1458-9 A.D.).
The legend that the artists employed in building the temples of Vimala Vasahi and the Lūņa Vasahi erected this shrine with the help of the remaining stones is obviously wrong. It may also be noted that this shrine is constructed, not with marble but with grey sandstone.
Three-storeyed, the temple, with its pinnacle, is the tallest of all shrines at Delvāḍā (fig. 51). From its third storey, a visitor obtains a charming birds' eye-view of the area round Delvāḍā.
Number of Images and Other Details:
On all the four faces of the sanctum on the ground floor are four big mandapas adjoining the sanctum. The outer walls of the sanctum are carved with figures of DikPalas (Quarter-Guardians), Vidyādevis, Yakshinis and such other deities of the Jaina Pantheon as also Śalabhanjikās (fig. 52) etc., In this sanctum, on each of the four faces, is installed a big stone sculpture of Parshvanatha, canopied by nine snake-hoods and with elaborate parikara round each figure, In inscriptions on them, one is called Chintamani Parshvanatha, another, Mangalakara Pārshvanatha and the third Manoratha-Kalpadruma Pārshvanatha; the name of the fourth figure is illegible,
In front of two of these sculptures are ornate toraņas resting on similar pillars, while of the two others, the pillars remain but the arches above them are lost. On each 18