Jaina Tirthas in India and Their Architecture

Author(s): Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 46

AND THEIR ARCHITECTURE
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the central Sikhara of the main temple and gives an idea of its height and its three storeys.
Figure 130:-Part of the ceiling of the southern MEGHANADAMANDAPA. The Kaliyamardana episode is chiselled by the sculptor in the central panel. Around him are seen the eight wives of the Snake, carved by the artist in a wonderful manner. The presence of Hindu subjects in the panels thus carved in the ceiling in this temple as in those of the Delwada-Abu Jaina temple helps to convince us of the great contribution made by Jainism towards Gujarat architecture in a very unconventional or catholic manner.
Plate 68
Figure 131-TEMPLE OF PARSVANATHA to the west of the Dharaṇavihāra at Rāņakapur. For the photo of the Mūlanāyaka-Pārsvanatha, see fig. 64.
On the outside of this temple are carved many amorous Mithuna figures which some person unappreciative of their artistic carving has attempted to whitewash. For fear of digression I am unable to say why such obscene figures found a place in Jaina architecture.
Figure 132:-CEILING IN THE WESTERN VERANDAH OF THE DHARANAVIHARA TEMPLE at Raṇakapur. The ceiling like that of the Shaikh Farid Tomb and of the Vimalavasahi temple on the Satruñjaya Hill. For the former, vide the Architectural Antiquities of Northern Gujarat Plate XVI.
Plate 69
Figure 133A VIEW OF THE SAMARANA of the western Meghanada-mandapa.
Figure 134-View of the western DANCING HALL from Rāņakapur. The architecture resembles that of the period of the Sultāns of Gujarat of Ahmedabed.
This temple is situated on the border of Gujarat and should be visited at least once by the students of Gujarat Architecture. A look at it would give a clear idea of the architecture and art of the sculptors of Gujarat of the 15th Cen. A. D.
Plate 70
Figure 135-SVETAMBARA JAIN TEMPLE AT MAKSHI, a Rly. Station near Ujjain in Malwā. It is dedicated to Sri-Makshiji-Pāršvanātha. It is under the management of the Sheth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi of Ahmedabad.