Jaina Temples of Western India

Author(s): Harihar Singh
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi

Page 94

Description of Temples
The eastern porch also has a flat roof supported by plastering save for the head; probably it was on two pillars, but it is ornate. Here the pillars broken and had to be repaired. There is an attenare of the octagonal type. Their base shows moul- dant figure on the back, who once held an umbrella dings of khura, kumbha carrying an image of over the Minister. padmāsana Jina on each of the eight facets, kalaša, antarapatra and grāsapatti. The shaft is divisible
Behind this is a Samavasaraṇa scene executed in into two sections, the lower being octagonal and
white marble. Circular in shape it is composed of the upper, circular. The octagonal section is further
three fortifications shown one above the other, and divided into two horizontal belts by a kumuda; the at the top is a quadruple image of Jina seated lower belt of these is longer than the upper one.
under a miniature shrine. An inscription upon it The lower belt carries an image of four-armed of V. S. 1212 (1155 A.D.) reveals that it was a gift standing goddess on each of the eight facets, and of Min the upper one has eight images of padmāsana Jinas. caste and a follower of Nannācārya of KorantaThe circular section is divisible into four horizontal gaccha. belts, the first showing vertical flutings, the second carrying figures of Vidyadharas, the third repre
In the hastifāla are ten large elephants of white senting diamonds and beads in alternation, marble arranged east-west in three rows, the side and the fourth displaying a kirttimukha-band, The ones having four elephants each and the central capital consists of a double-course round one comprising two elephants only. The elephants bharaṇi of karņika and padma clasped by foliage, are wrought wholly in the round and are adorned and a four-armed double-roll bracket. Between with howdah, chain and bells, and trappings. the pillars is thrown a scalloped toraya-arch punc- Seven of these were installed by Prthvipala in V.S. tuated with images of padmāsana Jinas and having 1208 (1151 A. D.) and three by his son Dhanapala circular lambanas underneath. The arch issues in V.S. 1237 (1180 A.D.).48 from the mouth of a makara on färdüla inserted in the middle of the pillar-shaft and touches the Above each sculpture of the hastišala is built a underside of the architrave over the pillars. The small domical ceiling. But for two ceilings all are roof has a ribbed eave-cornice overhanging the now plastered up with lime. Made of black stone architraves. At the top of the roof is a cusped both these ceilings are alike. What is exposed of toraṇa-arch, now plastered up. This arch consists of them show two square courses and a ceiling slab. five cusps and has a tilaka and a makara facing The first square course consists of an eight-foil kola outward at either end. The tilakas shelter topped by a figural band representing warriors, padmasana Jinas. The single-fakha doorframe is Mälädharas and pitcher-bearers. The second is a decorated with foliate scrolls. At the base of the quatrefoil kola. The ceiling-slab depicts an open jamb stands a female figure carrying water pot. lotus flower having two rows of petals. The udumbara is damaged, while the uttaranga continues the decoration of the jamb. On either According to the Jaina tradition, Vimalasaha side of the door is a Pratihāra (Dvärapäla).
built this temple having spent eighteen crore fifty The whole of the exterior of the hastitala is now three lacs. white-washed. Inside the hastifala, near the western entrance,
LOŅAVASAHI is an equestrian effigy of Minister Vimalasäha The general arrangement of its plan (Text Fig. 3) wearing a crown. He is holding a pot in his right is similar to the Vimalavasahi, but the balanaka is hand, while with the left hand he is holding the absent here and the hastišala is built at the back reins of the horse he is riding on. The pot suggests of the temple removing all the devakulikās of the that he is carrying offerings for worship. Executed back row. The temple is entered from the west to in white marble the whole sculpture is now spoiled which direction it also has its orientation.