Osiaji Mahavira Temple

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

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Colonnaded Corridor
As the earlier studies indicate (Dhaky), the southern corridor with about 8 pillars was part of the original scheme of the Temple. In Bhandarkar's sketch plan the corridor is shown as continuous on east, south and west. These extensions of the east and the west therefore appear to be later additions and they are also stylistically of a later date. The subshrines No. 6 and 7 which are amalgamated in the eastern and western corridor have their spire extending above the roof of the corridor structure and these spires resemble stylistically to the late eleventh century traditions according to Dhaky. These corridors are normally a feature of a typical Jain Temple complex and in this case they help define the Temple peripheries. In recent times, the southern corridor is renovated and the displaced relics from the Temple which are removed because of material decay and replacement are exhibited here to preserve the original parts of the Temple construction. The southern corridor is measured in part and is approximately 3 M wide and 3 M high with niches in its rear wall. The plinth of this corridor is 83 cm. high and the original pillars 2.56 M high up to the beams (refer illustrations.)