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The Structural Temples of Gujarat as for instance in the temples of Bilesvara, Balej, Bhansar, 3 3 Srinagar, Khimeśvara etc.24
In the case of the remaining temples there are left no clear indications of a covered ambulatory.
The above temples of the Gop classs, when closely examined, may enable us to determine the progress of the style. The development is noticed in the progressive increase of the number of stages, in the gradual reduction of the heights of the steps, in more harmonious proportions between the lower and upper elements of the structure and in a general refinement of the contours. The temple of Siva at Bilesvara respresents, perhaps, the latest development of the type. It is almost the most perfectly preserved temple of the group and hence enables us to understand the composition and design of type in a more convincing manner. The sanctum is situated within a covered ambulatory and is surmounted by a pyramidal tower of stepped stages in receding tiers, each stage on each face being relieved by ornamental caitya arches, gradually diminishing in number from six in the lower most course to one in the uppermost, Each corner at each stage is further ornamented with decorative finjals. The ambulatory is enclosed by walls of stone relieved on the exterior by shallow pilasters that end in cornices. A flat roof of stone covers this ambulatory. From the increased number of stepped stages-the largest among the temples of the group-the refined pyramidal contour,
23. In the group of temples at Bhansara two temples have circumambulatory ( vide here fig. 33 as for instance ); while others are single celled. 24. As for sun temple at Visavada Cousens surmises that there may have been an enclosed passage around the shrine but he admits that there are no indications of one having been attached to the walls of the shriņe, the walls being perfectly plain between the basement and the eaves. (SMTK. p. 44),
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