Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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1.1.2 Navacowki:
It comprises of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautifully carved designs supported on the ornate pillars. There are two big niches containing sculptures of din tha' on both sides.
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1.1.3 Gudha Mandapa:
Inside the profusely decorated doorway, is installed principle deity- lord Adinatha. There are two standing images of white marble of lord Pr van tha in meditation.
1.1.4 Hasti la:
This was constructed by Prithvip la, a descendant of Vimala in 1147-49A.D. In front of the entrance door, equestrian statue of Vimala originally carved of white marble is seen. The whole sculpture was mutilated and was later on repaired by plaster of Paris. Inside, ten marble sculptures of standing statues of elephants, arranged in three rows, beautifully carved, well-modeled and adorned were installed but were destroyed by the Muslim army in 1311.
2.1 Lu a Vasahi:
The temple is situated a little above the Vimala temple. This temple was constructed by two brothers, Tejap la and Vastup la, who have gone down in Indian architectural history as the greatest builders of the time. They were the ministers of the King Vira Dhaval
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. Tejap la's wife, Anupama Devi came to their rescue, suggesting they view the entire incident as an omen and construct from their wealth temples in atrunjaya and Giranara. Later, as ministers they resolved to constructed a temple in Mt. bu in memory of their deceased brother, Luniga and dedicated it also to the 22nd trtha kara, Nemin tha.
The Lu a 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- devakulikas 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 j li 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 gudha mandapa which does not have any supporting pillars and a columned hall, the navacowki. The eight pillars of the ranga mandapa 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 4.0
