Jain Temples of Rajasthan

Author(s): Sehdav Kumar
Publisher: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Art Abhinav Publications

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Jain temple complex at Dilwara.
The mukhamandapa and the mandapa transepts are decorated with ornamental balustrades. The interior of a Caulukya temple thus is richly designed whereas the exterior is similar to the temples of the northern region.
As the Caulukya style developed further, the sanctum, gūdhamandapa, mukhamanďapa and the rangamandapa were all arranged along one axis and placed in a quadrangle surrounded by an enclosure of devakulikås, 'shrine-cells' facing one or sometimes two bays of bhāmati, 'colonnaded corridors'. The elaboration of the pillared porch into six or nine caukis, 'bays', and the addition of the enclosure of devakulikās around the courtyard, with colonnaded corridors, constitute the special contribution of the Jains to the Caulukya building style.
Here, for our reflections on the Jain temple architecture and iconography of the Caulukya period, we draw principally from two temples at Dilwara: the 11th century Vimalavasāhi and the 13th century Lunavasähi. Yet there are many other outstanding Jain temples of this period, both in Rajasthan and Gujarat, that command attention and admiration. Of these mention must be made of the five temples at Kumbharia, the Neminātha temple at Girnar, the Ajitanātha temple at Taranga and the Pārsvanatha temple at Ghumli.