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One of the arches of the temple
of the world of art. In the temple such fine engraving has been done that on first sight the viewer is wonderstruck. In engraving larger then largest on stones smaller then the smallest, the sculptures of this temple appear to be experts. To look at this pricelerss treasure of art if one looks up he does not wish to look down.
Ministers Vastupal and Tejpal of the Solanki king Bheemdev of Gujarat got this world famous temple built with white-coloured marble. The temple was named Loonawasahi after Lavanya Singh, the son of Tejpal.
The black touch-stone idol of the twenty- second Tirthankar, compassion incarnate Neminath, is installed in the temple. The consecration of this idol, which captures our hearts just on being seen, was done by Acharya Shree Vijaysen Suri on Chaitra Krishna Tritiya in Samvat 1287. References available reveal that more than 13 crore gold coins were spent in building the temple. The artistic finesse of the temple is credited to the renowned sculptor Saumandev. In Samvat 1368, the troops of Alauddin Khilji tried to damage the sactum sanctorum as well as other parts of the temple. In Samvat 1378 Shreshthi Chandsingh's son got it repaired.
Just on entering the main gate of the temple, a unique gift to humanity, the magnificent and attractive form of the temple can be seen. The world-famous Gokhlas (wall-altars) of Devrani-Jethani are built in this temple. On the left wall-altar is the image of Lord Aadinath and on the right altar is the image of Lord Shantinath. The peerless love of Devrani-Jethani and the incomparable artistry of the sculptors resulted in the shaping-up of both the altars absolutely similar to each other. On looking at these altars it seems as if the artistes have infused life in them.
On reaching the rostrum of the temple, we can have a glimpse of the tenderness, beauty and excellence of its wonderful sculptural art, and an indelible impression of the art of the artists is etched in the heart of the viewers. The artistic pendant hanging in the centre of the dome, looks like crystal drops. Wherever we cast our glance at the ceiling of the temple, it really appears that everything is unique here. On every pillar stand the idols of sixteen Vidyadevis riding different animals/birds. On everyside of the auditorium the arches are so artistic that the viewers become emotionally overwhelmed.
On the south of the hall on the walls and ceilings there are scenes of the birth of Lord Krishna, mother in the lying down posture, the prison, the cowboys etc. are in the form of engraved art-pieces. Ahead of the auditorium are nine square-shaped seats. In each of the ceilings here, we find wonderful art work of the best engravings. Such tender branches of flowers have taken shape in marble that at the very first glance the viewer exclaimsunprecedented !! unsurpassable !!!
Around the temple there are 50 edifices whose walls and domes are ornamented with fine artefacts. In edifice 1 to 10 there are respectively the images of goddess Ambika, flowers, danseuses, artistic plaques with the figures of goose, Dwarika and Samavasaran.
The miracle of fine engraving : A dome of the temple
Divine danseuses carved inside the temple domes
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