________________
534
The Structural Temples of Gujarat The outstanding temples may be described as follows :Saranešvar
The Siva temple of Sārņeśvar at Abhapur* is in a dilapidated condition. The temple consists of a garbhagļiha, an antarala, a circumambulatory, a gūdhamandapa flanked by porches on either side and a sabhāmaņdapa. In elevation part it is a three storied building. In front of the temple there is a wide Yagñakuņda with beautifully carved vedis. The pitha, mandovara and vedikās of maņdapas and porches are highly carved in the post Caulukyan style. The pillars of the manqapas and porches are, too, noteworthy as some of them have typical shape either to unknown to Caulukyan temples. From bottom to top they are round in shape with ringlets at intervals on the shafts of the pillars which are otherwise plain. The bases and capitals of these pillars are mostly carved with the designs of inverted petals. Similar pillars also are seen at Lakheņā mandira of this region. The superstructures over the shrine, maņdapas and porches are extinct. 6 2
In the compound of the temple stands a memorial stone bearing an inscription dated V. S. 1554 and S. S. 1420 and recording the name of Mahārājādhirāja Shri Rāva Bhāņa.
The temple is recently re-inhabitated by a Sadhu and hence visited by devotees off and on. Lakheņā temple
This is a Jain temple. The temple is in ruins. It consists of a girbhagpiha, an antarāla, a gūdḥamaņdapa, a trikamandapa, a Sabhāmaņdapa, porches and a balāņaka. It is double-storeyed building. The shrine door measures 4.6 x 2 ms. Both the mandapas temples recently. I also gathered information from Shri J. M. Nanavati and Shri M. A. Dhaky of the Archaeological Dept. of Government of Gujarat. Most of the temples, now, are conserved by the said department. * 32 Kms. N. E. of Idar. 62. Vide . Nutan Gujarat' dated 3-6-62. Here Fig. 163.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
