Some Early Jaina Temples in Western India

Author(s): M A Dhaky
Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_

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314 SHRI MAHAVIRA JAINA VIDYALAYA GOLDEN JUBILEE VOLUME
Nalamandapa by virtue of its construction above the principal stairway of the Jagati. A subsidiary entrance with an (12) Ubhayamukhi Catuski (Bifacial Porch) is located on the east, and just near the eastern extremity of the Valanaka. The Valanaka is connected with a (9) Devakulikå at its eastern walling.
(1) Mülaprasāda
The Mulaprāsāda, about is 7.77 M wide, is a square of tri anga on plan and thus has three proliferations-the bhadra (central offset), pratiratha (juxta-buttress), and karna (corner)-in the proportion of 4.4 1 2. The elevation (Figs. 1 and 2) covers three divisions: the pitha (socle), kati (wall face) and the sikhara (spire).
The pitha comprises a sequence of six bold, heavy, and neatly cut mouldings commencing from a large bhiṭṭa (stylobate), a wide antarapatra or kandhara (fillet) followed by a kapota (cornice) decorated with closely set candraśálás (caitya arches) alternating with half lotuses. Next comes a second, less wide but likewise plain antarapatra: and finally tops the vasantapaṭṭikä, that is, a band, carved in this instance, with what seems a degenerated acanthus scroll.
The kati is made up of three parts: vedibandha (podium), janghā (entablature) and a dvistara varaṇḍika (bistriated principal cornice). The vedibandha possesses the normal sequence of five mouldingskhuraka (hoof), kumbha (pitcher), kalaka (torus), antarapatra, and kapota-where, however, the antarapatra is of meagre proportions. The kumbha of each of the bifacial karna on the rear is decorated with niched divinities such as two-armed Kubera, a two-armed Gajalaksmi (?), Vayu, and a mithuna (couple). The kapota shows kalikäs (buds) in suspension, a feature adopted from wooden architecture, the parallels of which are known from the older temples in Bhubaneshwar in Orissa. and Roda in Northern Gujarat. The karna-jangha shelters the twoarmed Dikpälas (Regents of the Quarters)-Indra, Agni, Yama and Nirṛti-in framed niches, each one topped by an archaic udgama (pediment). All the three bhadras (balconied windows) substantially project out. The vedibandha here is replaced by handsome, square vaseand-foliage pillars, the intervening space between which is occupied by a rajasenaka (deep fillet) decorated with perforated and grooved double axes followed by a vedika (balustrade) carved with rich, gracefully flowing vines and geometric patterns capped by an asana-pattaka (seat). The void above is blocked by the stone trellises thrown into boxes. The grille in the west bhadra, with a different motif in each.