________________
The Structural Temples of Gujarat
Vasai, near Vijapur (Mehsana District) has an interesting Siva temple built in the usual style of Sikhara shrines. It is known as the Akhādā or Paleśvara Mahadeva temple. It has a cella, an antechamber, a hall with twenty pillars and a porch. The outer walls of the sanctum are richly carved but their beauty is marred by the coats of whitewash given from time to time. The temple faces west and has four subsidiary shrines in its compound.44
216
There is an inscription dated V. S. 1525 (1469 A. D.) on a stone slab in Nilakantheśvara Mahadeva at Vasai (Vijapura Taluka) which records the construction of the temple by one Rāṇaka Patel, resident of Vasai. 45
According to one of the Prasastis dated V. S. 1527 (i. e. A. D. 1471) a Jain temple was erected at Pawagadh by Khimasinha and Sahasa, residents of Anahilpura.46
From the description of a Jain temple recorded in one of the prasastis dated V. S. 1527 (A. D. 1471) it seems that the temple was built at Cambay by Shresthi Godha during that period.47 The temple does not exist in its original form.
Tradition records that there existed a Jain temple known as Kumaravihara in V. S. 1530 (A. D. 1474) at Idar and that another Jain temple nearby was built during that period by one Sheth Ishawar Soni. 48
installed the famous image of Adinatha, cast 108 maund according to the inscription consecrated in V. S. 1525 (A. D. 1459) No. 407). 44 AR. AB. 39. pp. 8-9 para. The inscription in the doorlintel of the sanctum dated V. S. 1645 (A. D. 1589) probably records the repairation of the temple.
45. ARAB. 38 list of Inscription, Appendix B. No. 22 p. 36.
46. JTSS. Vol. I. Pt. I. p. 19, also Jainsatyaprakash. Vol. XI Nos. 10-11 p. 274. v. 14.
47. JTSS. Vol. I. Pt. I. p. 15.
48. JTSS. Vol. I. Pt. I. p. 86, also 'Idargadha Caitya paripati '.
in metal pittal, weighing on it. The image (Abu, Vol, Il, inscription
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
was
www.jainelibrary.org