Sambodhi 2009 Vol 32

Author(s): J B Shah, K M patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 63

Vol. XXXII, 2009
The Immortal Stone-Works of Gujarat
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Hindu Stone Carving
The Hindu architecture always used to prefer stone rather than wood or any other material due to large variety of stone in India. The remarkable uniform building style can be seen fully developed by the middle of the eleventh century. Gujarat has numerous monuments with beautiful carving on stone. The sun temple at Modhera and step wells are some of the remarkable examples of Hindu style stone carvings. some of the finest monuments are described in detail below: 1. Modhera
The sun temple of Modhera is located on the left bank of the river Pushpavati, a tributary of river Rupan in Becharaji taluka of Mehasana district. The literal meaning of Modhera is "mound of the dead". Modhera is sometimes called Mundera, the original settlement of Modha Brahmans. The Jain Acharya Hemchandra was of the Modha parentage. It was constructed during the Solanki king Bhimdev-I. H.Cousens found stone inscribed with "vikaram samvat 1083", which corresponds to 1026-1027 AD, the date of erection of temple.
The temple consists of three separate elements: (a) Main temple complex, including sanctum with ambulatory, lateral
transepts and porch (b) A detached assembly hall with a toran in front. (c) A large rectangular tank decorated with numerous miniature shrines.
The close sanctum of the temple has an octagonal arrangement of elegantly decorated tall columns with ornamental -arches as shown in Plate No. 5. The plain walls of the sanctum are relieved by niches containing images of 12 adityas. The assembly hall is described as a "magnificent pile of pillared splendor", carrying toran arches and can be entered from each cardinal direction. In front of assembly hall towards east stood a large toran, overlooking a huge rectanlular masonry tank known as suryakund measuring 175 feet north-south and 120 feet east-west which was approached through a grand flight of steps. This temple is remarkable not only for its fine proportions and aesthetic appeal but also for harmonious integration of its plastic embellishment with architecture scheme. 10
The main shrine at Modhera has samatala typing of ceiling with floral and figural motifs carved in the Sabha Mandap, four ceilings represent the scene from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The architecture of this temple resembles like