Osiaji Mahavira Temple

Author(s): Rabindra J Vasavada
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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MAHAVIRA Temple Complex
The Mahavira Temple Complex, approached from the street on north through re-modelled entrance porch, has the hall which in earlier times housed stairs for approach. As one enters on the left to the east is Devakulika No. 5 which is adjacent to the hall. The Main Temple is standing on a platform which has large hall attached to the inner hall of the Temple. The Main Shrine is approached through the inner hall. There are in all seven subsidiary shrines, around the main temple four located along eastern side and three on the western side. Two subsidiary shrines are part of the colonnaded corridors, one each on east and west. These sub-shrines are numbered 1 to 7 as indicated on the illustration depending on their antiquity. The entire complex has been gradually expanded during the passage of time. Adjoining the Temple Complex there are dharmashalas and also a School of Theology which is attached to the Temple Trust. The Torana which was shifted from its original position during the expansion of the front hall is temporarily shifted along the eastern wall. The southern corridor is also recently converted into a sculpture gallery where relics of the temple-parts are preserved and exhibited. The overall Temple Complex spreads over an area measuring approximately 45 M north-south and 30 M eastwest. On eastern and southern side the Complex is connected with the town, on west to the school and confronts the two street on the north.
The temple as at present has been evolved from the original form and expanse. From the earliest status of 8th century A. D. successive additions have been made in 10th, 11th century and also later on. The entrance areas and also the hall in front of the temple have all been altered and expanded due to increasing demands of space to accommodate pilgrims over the centuries. For expanding the hall the torana has been removed and entrance hall as well as main hall of the Temple have been enlarged. In recent times, the roof of the inner hall of the Temple is also repaired and refitted as it had developed structural weaknesses. The Temple Complex has been thus constantly evolving and it is interesting to observe its evolving stages and the needs which necessitate the constant upgradation and repairs from time to time.