Osiaji Mahavira Temple

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

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details of the niche, which might have been expresssed deliberately on the outside. (I thank Dr. Michel Meister for his discussion with me on site on this issue of our observation during our joint visit to Mahavira
Temple on 30th December, 1996) Plate 4 : Recent measured drawing of the main shrine at floor level. Also the plinth
moulding, measured drawn at the same scale to show the original profiles of the temple, which has remained unaltered over the many century of its existence, though the shikhara of this part is reportedly repaired as per the available references. Shri Dhaky mentions that the present shikhara is from the 15th century when the temple was reported in a ruined state and the portion above kapotpali was in a 'heap'. (I am thankful to Shri Dhaky for his insights which were offered to me during my discussions with him
on 21st September 1997 in Ahmadabad) Plate 5 : Longitudinal section prepared from a recent measured drawing showing
the corridor of south, main temple with profile of shikhara, mukhamandapa, and the new mandapa integrating the original trika. Note the level differences between the main temple and the new mandapa and the front parts of the temple, which is raised to level the
surrounding areas to the level of the entrance mandapa. Plate 6 : Details of the various pillars of the new mandapa in front of the main
temple, based on a recent measured drawing. Pillars selected for the measured drawing are indicative of their relative position in the new construction of the mandapa and some of them are assembled using the old parts from the older fragments during the process of renovations.
The following discription explains the renovation of mandapa pillars: 1. Pillar "T:' situated at the south-east corner of the mandapa near the steps
leading to east side pathway around the temple. This pillar has the base and
part of the shaft newly made and the upper part is using older fragments. 2. Pillar 'O' situated at the inner rightside of the original trika, this pillar has a
new base but the rest of it is original as it was part of the original trika. 3. Pillar 'K' situated at second position fron right in the second row from north,
this pillar has base and part shaft new and the remaining is assembled from the
older fragments. 4. Pillar 'B' situated in the front row, second from right, this pillar has new lower
base but the upper parts are assembled from the older fragments.