Osiaji Mahavira Temple

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

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entire repair-reopening the old and refitting with a new structural scheme of arcuated supports for the pyramidal roof was handled by the Sompura master craftsmen employed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of Ahmedabad which is looking after the restoration of the Jaina Temples all over the country. The Sompura school improvises on traditional engineering know-how and employ contemporary ways to handle such restoration works for structural durability. On the other hand on repairs to statuary and mouldings of stone work in different parts adopt a practice of recreating the actual replicas of what existed even if they have to repair parts of the sculpture they prefer to recreate with matching craftsmanship so that the renewed sculpture, mouldings match the original as closely as possible. This many times create confusion about the overall image of the temple in the mind of an observer about the authenticity of the parts of the temple structure. But this has always been the accepted policy of Sompuras that when the skill is available with them, the shrines have to be retained in its near original glory without the material decay or damage affecting the overall image of the shrine. This concern and care for the important symbol of religion has always been a collective responsibility of the community so that the tradition is continued in times to come and all successive generations carry it forward. About the authenticity of restoration and repairs, specialists such as historians, archaeologists may have reservations for the quality and methods employed but Sompura builders' goals are tied up with their dedication to their art and also to their heredetary committment to their ancestral duty to excell and further the skills in service of classical arts. Their motto is to express their gratitude to their fore-fathers, who lend them the skill, by excelling in their work and uphold classical arts. For these reasons when Sompuras undertake restoration they consider it their duty to bring it to its near original to the best of their ability. And when they excell in their work, it is really hard to make out the original from new. Although they do reflect the traces of the idiom in, which they are working and specialists in the field can make out the difference with careful examination. But for a normal pilgrim it is not possible to make out the old and the new and it is important for them to find the temple in healthy image of proper upkeep enlivening their experience as a worshipper and to a pilgrim that is the most satisfying experience of having made the pilgrimage to a holy place.
Architecturally, the successive additions and alterations display varied attitudes to temple building arts. The relics which are the oldest are perhaps the lower portions of the main shrine. Comparing the later developments including the spire of that part display simplified approaches to formal treatment and also perhaps a lower level of aesthetics and skills. The roof of the enlarged front hall