ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 257

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
AN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY,
2.1 Lūna Vasahl:
The temple is situated a little above the Vimala temple. This temple was constructed by two brothers, Tejapāla and Vastupāla, who have gone down in Indian architectural history as the greatest builders of the time. They were the ministers of the King Vira Dhavala.
Popular legend has it that the brothers buried their money under tree when on a pilgrimage, because of the instability the country. When they dug it out, they discovered more money than had been concealed by them. They were full of consternation. Tejapala's wife, Anupama Devi came to their rescue, suggesting they view the entire incident as an omen and construct from their wealth temples in Shatrunjaya and Giranara. Later, as ministers they resolved to construct a temple in Mt. Abu in memory of their deceased brother, Luniga and dedicated it also to the 22nd Tirthamkara Neminatha. The Lūņa Vasahi temple was constructed in 1231 A.D. by the architect Sobhanadeva. (D-1-2-3)
2.1.1 The Ground Plan of Tejapala Temple:
The shrine measures 52 X 28.5m, is a close approximation of its model, although it faces west and is the exact reverse of the Vimala temple- yet; the sequence of the structural parts is the same as in the latter.
Consequently, a description highlighting the differences between the two temples will suffice here. The T-shaped temple stands in a courtyard. This is surrounded by 52- devakulikās screened by a double row of colonnades. Only in the north and south does a cell project a little out of the closed ground plan. At the back there are no shrines, only an enclosed hall with very old jäli work, i.e., a latticed wall with ornamental tracery.
The roof of the sanctum is such a flat phamsana (pyramidal roof) that it barely projects above the complex. In front of the sanctum is the gūḍha-manḍapa which does not have any supporting pillars and a columned hall, the navacowki. The eight pillars of the Rangamandapa are connected to each other with scalloped arches and form an octagon made of toranas. The dome, too, is a marvel of polished precision and its keystone is proportionately larger as compared to that of the Vimala's temple.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0