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The Structural Temples of Gujarat
In most of the temples including pre-Caulukyan the panel of Navagrha over door-lintel is common.
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In pre-Caulukyan temples the door-frame is mostly found plain except the lintel which contains a figure1 of Gaṇeśa in the centre. However, there are certain exceptions too. At Kadvar, the shrine door way measures 2-6 x 1.1 meter giving a ratio of about 12:5. The Jambs contain 5 vertical sections, all being plain except the section on the opening side which contains the floral lozengeshaped ornament with standing figures on each side at the bottom towards threshold. The standing figures represent the Ganga-Yamuna motif. The Central vertical facet of the jambs being round in shape, at the topmost part contain heavy capitals with foliage and Caitya-arch ornaments.2
Above the door lintel there is a well preserved panel divided into five sections (in the shape of niches ) each containing a deity. From left to right they are Surya, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva and Soma or Candra, the last having what appears to be the cresent moon behind his head. Visņu occupies the central panel, and, below on the dedicatory block, he appears again, while Gaṇeśa, the more frequent image in this position on Saiva temples, is relegated to a more subsidiary position between the lintel and the panel. Each Section of the panel is superimposed with stepped pyramidal ornament adorned with Caitya-arch motif.
The door-way of the Sun temple at Sutrapada measures almost 2 X 1 meter i. e. it maintains the ratio of 2:1. The ratio of the height and width in the door ways of several other Pre-Caulukyan temples such as those at Balej, Bhansar, Khimesvar, Pata, Ranavav, Srinagar, Pasanavada, Miyani etc. is nearly close to the ratio prescribed.
1. SMTK. Plt. XXXIV.
2. Due to lozenge-shaped moulding in the jambs and the flanking pilasters with pot capitals, Cousins traces the similarity of carvings that found in the Buddhist caves, especially those of Ajanta. (SMTK. p. 39)
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