________________
in Samvat 1016. On both sides of the sanctum sanctorum and at the rear, a covered alley has been built. The sanctum sanctorum is square-shaped. Bhadra, Pratirath and Karna - all the three styles have been accommodated here. The Kumbh at the altar has been decorated with ornamented small idols of gods and godesses including the statues of Kuber, Gaj-Lakshmi and Vayu (Wind) etc. which attract the viewers towards them. Artistic forms of the protectors of the directions have also been sculptured on the pedestals of the gods. The edifices of the sanctum sanctorum have been joined to those windows with highly artistic ornamental hangings, which are placed on Rajsevak (royal valet). Vedika (small altar) and Asanpatt (seat cushion). The presentation of the windows are also no less attractive. These have been ornamented with lotus-flowers, potted plants and herbsshrubs arranged in various ways.
The ceiling of the deep sanctum sanctorum is the life of the temple's art. The ceiling has a three-tier chandelier. Here the splendoured beauty of architecture has come forth in such a magnificent manner that the viewers forget to bat their eyelids. In the first tier are engraved the forms of melodious divine singers and the dancing 'gandharvas! (heavenly musicians). All the four corners of the first tier are decorated with beautiful musical instruments. In the second tier 'Singh Karn' has been sculptured. In the middle of the third tier all around 'Singh Karnas' have been sculptured, and at its top beautiful forms of pot bells have been constructed.
The summit of the 'Trik Mandap is in two-tiered chandelier style, like the one over the 'Goodh Mandap! (sanctum sanctorum). On its north are constructed the idols of the goddesses like Gouri, Vairotya and Manasi on Singh Karn. And, on the north of the Western chandelier are the attractive statues of Yakshi, Chakreshwari, Mahavidya, Mahakali and Vagdevi.
The chandelier-ceiling of the gateway 'mandap is covered by a huge bell. In the three plaques of its triangular arches are sculptured the idols of Mahavidya, Kali, Mahamasi, Varun, Yaksha, Ambika et al. On the thresholds of the temple, the episodes of the lives of Jain Tirthankar Neminath and Lord Mahaveer have been very deeply depicted.
All the four pillars of the hall are quadrangular. These have been ornamented with creepers and plants, nooses of cobras and faces of persons of glory. 'Dev Kulikas' (small idols of gods) have been sculptured on the walls of the Goodh Mandap. A splendid arch is built on the summit of every 'Kulika'. The artistic side of this place too is worth a glimpse. Smaller images of Gods engraved in the temple are actually the jewels of architecture.
This temple is as respected in respect of art, as it is popular in respect of devotion. Here the protecting deity known as Poonia Baba is installed in the form of a cobra couple, who fulfills the wishes of the devotees.
Constructed nearly a km. away from the temple is the popular temple of Shree Sachchitaya Mata, where hundreds of devotees visit every day to get their wishes fulfilled.
Intricate engravings on the pillar
A divine beauty blowing conch shell prior to beginning her dance
44
Unin
E
n
Intematonal
For Private
Personal use only
www.aina baryong