Mahavira Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth Part 1

Author(s): Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya Mumbai
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 802

SOME EARLY JAINA TEMPLES IN WESTERN INDIA : 323
The pillars of the central octagon are like those seen in Devakulikā No. 4 here. Lintels supporting the central ceiling reveal a degenerated diamond-and-double volute pattern. Above the octagon comes a polygon of sixteen sides followed by karnadardarikā (cyma reversa with arris), rūpakantha (figural belt) with sixteen apsarases standing on large lumbikās (inverted bells) against the background of the three kola courses, the latter followed by four gajatālu courses, where each gajatālu is of the quadruple variety, and finally in the centre a small padmakesara (stamenal tube).
Carved in the east part of the north wall are two old niches one of which bears an inscription declaring the renovation of the Hall by one Jindaka in 956. There are other large niches sunk in the east and west wall but of little consequence.
A Devakulikā (No. 5) attached to, and having its opening in the middle part of the east wall within the Hall deserves a closer examination. The tiny, faceted pillarets of its porch lie only slightly behind the alignment of the engaged pillars of the east wall.
The Devakulikā in question (Fig. 6) is smaller by about 25 cms in diameter than the four described in the foregoing pages. It also differs in some of its elevational features.
Above the kharaśilā, the pitha is supported on a bhitta showing half diamond and thakārikā decorations; it is followed by a chajjikā, jädyakumbha, karnikā, and vasantapațţikä сarved with a scroll. The kumbha of the vedibandha shows half lotuses and ardharatna motif carved in bold relief. The divinities on the jangha include Dikpālas, apsarases such as Sucismitā and Putravallabhā, Jina images in the three principal niches where Pārsvanātha may be identified in the back one, and lastly, the standing image of Sarasvati in each of the two kapili faces, in a specially designed niche crowned by a phāṁsaná pediment in lieu of the normal udgama. Vyalas are noticeable in the salilantaras. A part of the janghā on the east is badly damaged; at this place three images are missing. The Latina silchara, partly restored, is carved with the grooved jāla work.
(12) Ubhayamukhi catuṣki
This double porch, opening inside as well as outside on the east near the eastern extremity of the Valānaka, possesses a pair of boldly carved, very old pillars on either side. The ceilings demonstrate a vigorous, full-blown, large lotus in each case.