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The Structural Temples of Gujarat Nay Dera (Nine Temples) or temples of Sadevanta-Sāvalingā
Near the village Abhapur there is a group of temples dedicated to several deities such as Siva, Višņu, Cāmunda, Bhairava and Jain. They are known as Navadera i. e. Nine temples popularly known as the Temples of Sadevanta Savalinga.67 All these temples are in a ruinous condition but the extant portions reveal the charm and beauty of their architectural form as well as sculptural decoration. The Jain temple is, comparatively, in a good condition. All others have lost most of their component parts and so their ground plans as well as elevation schemes can hardly be traced at present. 68 Mathachbad*
The village contains an old small Siva temple. In plan and design it is very similar to those at Vadanagar (Amthor). Like these temples, it contains a Navagraha panel over the shrine door. Sobharada
The village is said to represent the old town Sobhāvati. Near the village there was a large dam now extinct and on the bank of the dam there are two temples one dedicated to Siva known as Shobheśvara mahādava and the other to Vāgheśvari mātā the two facing each other. Both the temples are in ruinous condition. The temple of Shobheśvara is comparatively, in good condition, only the mandapa has lost its dome. The garbhagriha with its śikhara is in good condition. The mandapa consists of beautiful pillars, Kaksāsanas etc. The maņdovara and vedikās of the mandapa contain several beautiful sculptures. 6 9
67. The romantic tale of Sadevanta (Sadayavatsa ) and his beloved Sävalingā is one of the popular folk tales in Gujarat. The site is locally represented as the meeting place of these lovers. 68. Vide . Nutan Gujarat' dated 27-5-62. * 14.4 Kms. from Bhuvanesvar near Himatnagar (District Sabarkantha) § On the way to Shamalaji near village Ramagadh (District Sabarkantha). 69. Vide Nutan Gujarat' dated 22-7-62.
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