Underground Shrine Queens Stepwell Patan

Author(s): Jaikishandas Sadani
Publisher: B J Institute of Learning & Research

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UNDERGOUND SHRINE
I. AN INTRODUCTION
Gujarat is rich in its unique cultural heritage. The grand tradition of art, architecture, sculpture and literature has been handed down from generation to generation with amazing continuity. Yet some periods of its history are outstanding epochs in which intense cultural growth and prosperity find their splendid expression.
The period of the Caulukya or the Solanki dynasty (A.D. 942 - A.D. 1304) with immense cultural contribution has been noted as a very important period in the history of Gujarat. Similar to the Gupta period of Indian history the Chalukya period has been hailed as the 'Glorious Period' of the history of Gujarat. Along with the attainment of rapid progress and prosperity the cultural growth also has been remarkable and extensive. The Caulukya rulers not only wielded supreme political power and efficient administration but were benevolent kings. who had great love for arts and literature. During their rule there was significant advancement in this field and we see beautiful temples of rich architecture, imbedded with the splendour of sculptures of rare beauty. The rulers were essentially worshipers of Śiva but had great regard for Vaishnavism, Jainism and other schools of thoughts. This is evidently borne out in the inscriptions of this period.
Mularāja I (942-997 A.D.) was the founder of the Caulukya dynasty. He built the temple of 'Mulesvarasvami at Patan, the then capital of Gujarat. He also built the temple of "Mulanarayana" dedicated to Visņu at Śristhala or Siddhapur. Before he would embark upon any important campaign he would perform worship of Mahalakṣmi, the consort of Lord Visņu. Bhimadeva I, the great grand son of King Mularaja I, ruled Gujarat from 1022-1064 A.D. He was a very outstanding ruler imbued with profound religious sensibility. He was a Shaivite in the beginning but later on worshipped Visņu and Mahalakṣmi as well. He had great love for building temples and lakes in their vicinity. He rebuilt the great temple of Somnath after it was ransacked and raised to ground by Mahmud Ghazani. He built the famous Sun Temple of Modhera with beautiful sculptures along with an impressive reservoir nearby.