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The Structural Temples of Gujarat In canonical works fundamental shapes-square (Vairāja ) rectangular (Pușpaka), round (Kailāśa) oval (Maạika) and Octagonal. (Triviştapa) of the ground plan prescribed by Puranic works like Ag. P., G. P. etc. are observed. 39 In the extant temples the first variety i. e. temples with square ( Vairāja ) garbhagļihas seems prevailing. Even the ground plan of the garbhagriha having the octagonal shape externally has square40 garbhagộiha internally. This is illustrated by the garbhagļiha of the temple of Galatesvar (Sarnel)4 1
The five fundamental shapes prescribed by canonical works deal with the general shape of the ground plan (Kșetra ) of the temple as a whole and not only with the ground plan of the garbhagļiha. So in the case of temples having rectangular or octagonal shape, the ground plan of the garbhagļiha at times is obviously found square, Nearly all the extant temples in view of the component parts that they comprise are rectangular in their general appearance but from the view point of the shape of the ground plan they are mostly square ( with few exceptions ).
In canonical works the square shapes ( Kșetra) of temples are divided into several sections or parts ranging from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 44 and so on, all coniprising the device for achieving the square ground plan of the garbhagriha; for instance the ground plan of the Rucaka type42 is divided into 4 parts out of which 2 parts are alloted for garbhagļiha and the remaining 2 for walls enclosing 39. Sm. Su. XLIX, 3, 7-8; APPR. CLV, 1-21. 40. The square is the fundamental form of an Indian Architecture. Baudhāyana Sulva Sūtra (I, 22-28) has prescribed the rules how by the help of the cord (Sūtra), the square could be drawn. Three further methods are also prescribed in Sulva Sūtras of both Baudhayan and A pastamba (HT. Vol. I. p. 22). 41. ASWI, III, plt. XVIII. 42, Sm. Su. XLIX, LV, LVI, LVII, etc.
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