Temple of Satrunjaya

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 77

One of them was erected by Sah Lalchand Surachand and two by a Sanghvi named Surji Mala of Patana in 1731 A.D.
Plate 15 : Nandisvara Dvipa
To the south of the tuk of Sakarchand Premchand is that of Seth Hemabhai Vakhatchand of Ahmedabad, erected in A.D. 1840. (S. 1897) The principal temple in it is known by the name of Sri Nandisvara Dvipa, and also as the temple of Ujambai Hemabhai: it is nearly square, but unique in its arrangements. The walls are of perforated stone-work, and inside, forming a large cross of five square compartments, are arranged fifty-three pyramidal altars or rather dāgobās-for such suggests itself as their original; they are not unlike miniature spires with compartments on the four sides or the marble putlis or images, whence they go by the name of Caumukh. In the central square is the largest of these spires, and in each of the four arms of the cross there is a pyramid of secondary size in the middle, and still smaller ones on each side of it with pairs at the angles, these latter touching each the corner of its fellow. The temple has no vimāna but is covered by a central and four side domes.
One of the smaller temples was erected by Seth Dayabhai Anopchand of Ahmedabad in 1841, and contains twelve images of Kunthunatha, etc., and two siddha-cakras, another by a lady-Prasannabai of Ahmedabad contains fifty images ; and six small ones are empty. There is a gotraja devī or family goddess in these temples.
Plate 16 : View from the Gate of the Nandisvara Dvipa
As the visitor comes out of this enclosure the view across the Motisah enclosure to the south-east, presents itself, with the temple of Hirachand Raykaran and the Vaghano pole, on the southern summit.
Plates 17, 18 : Tuk and Temple of Hemabhai Vahkatchand
Turning to the north-west another encolsure meets the eye. It stands on a higher level than the one just left, and has a massive square tower in front, approached by a wide flight of steps between two tanks. This tuk also goes by the name Hemabhai Vakhatchand, the preceding being distinguished as his daughter Ujambai's, and this as his son Prembhai Hemabhai's. The principal temple here is by Sah Vakhatchand Khusalchand of Ahmedabad, the father of Hemabhai Vakhatchand, built in A.D. 1826. From the south-east the tops of its three spires appear over the roof, and the projections of the three porches of the principal mandapa each of which is crowned by an ornamental dome. But after the description given of the Caumukh, further detail is unnecessary. This is said
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