Structural Temples of Gujarat

Author(s): Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad

Page 84

The Shrine and the Temple : Early Phase
29
storeyed Brahmanical excavation of Elora. This temple is consisted of a courtyard having a square Nandi-mandapa (pavilion) and a pillared hall (32.2 * 29.1 ms.) in the ground floor and a larger and finer hall of the same size in the upper storey supported on six rows of five pillars each, with a twopillared vestibule at the far end leading to a square cella enshrining a linga.
The second group of cave-temples, characterised by a processional path around the shrine, is represented by RāvanKā-Khāi and Rameśvara Caves ( late seventh century)
The third group of rock-temples in which the shrine is isolated but stands in cruciform hall is represented at Elora by the solitary Dumar-lena* (early eighth cent.) Architecturally these are extremely remarkable cave-temples as they have three portals, one in front and one in each wing, and were lighted with artistic effect from three sides. A notable feature of these group is the elegant form of their massive pillars with ribbed cushion capital.
The fourth and final group of cave temples at Elora is represented by the Kailasaf which is a replica in rock of a structural temple. (Later half of the 8th cent. ). This temple marks the supreme culmination of Indian rock architecture which was nothing but sculpture on a grand scale. It is more than 30.5 ms. in height, covering an area roughly 91.5 x 53.5 ms. and consisted of (1) main temple ( 50 x 33.3 x 29.4 ms. in size ) (2) Nandi shrine (3) gateway and (4) cloister surrounding the courtyard.
Among the detached cluster of Jain excavation at Elora (c. 800-900 A.D.) the most notable are the Indra Sabhā ( No 32 ) and Jaganātha Sabhā (No. 33. ). The former is earlier and superior in workmanship. These jain cave-temples are remarkable for their lavish carvings and exquisite pillars with the cushion capital. * JABH. p. plt XLVIII fig. 1 & 2. I IABH. p. plt XLVIII A fig. 1, 2.