History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.s3.1

v2.c24.s3.1

The grouping together of their temples into what may be called "Cities of Temples" is a peculiarity which the Jains have practised to a greater extent than the followers of any other religion in India. The Buddhists grouped their stûpas and vihâras near and around sacred spots, as at Sânchî, Mânikyâla, or in Peshâwar, and elsewhere; but they were scattered, and each was supposed to have a special meaning, or to mark some sacred spot. The Hindûs also grouped their temples, as at Bhuvaneswar or Benares, in great numbers together; but in all cases, so far as we know, because these were the centres of a population who believed in the gods to whom the temples were dedicated, and wanted them for the purposes of their worship. Neither of these religions, however, possess such a group of temples, for instance, as that at Satrunjaya, or Pâlitânâ—as it is usually called from the neighbouring town, in Gujarât, about 35 miles from Goghâ and Bhaunagar, on its eastern coast (Woodcut No. 277).