History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.s3.18

v2.c24.s3.18

The largest temple in the Kharatara-vasî Tuk, which occupies much of the north ridge, is a Chaumukh temple of Âdinâth, erected in 1618, by Setthi Devarâj, a banker of Ahmadâbâd and his family—of whom his sons Somajî and Dûpajî were Sanghepatis or leaders of the great pilgrimage at its consecration. It is of two storeys, and has a well-proportioned sikhara, 96 ft. in height, and as shown in the plan (Woodcut No. 278) consists of a mandap on the east 31 ft. 2 in. square with twelve pillars forming an inner square on which rests the dome 21 ft. 6 in. across, and the shrine beyond it, is 23 ft. square with entries on all sides. In the centre of this is the great quadruple image of Âdinâth, placed on a marble throne about 11 ft. square with pillars at the corners. The west half of the shrine is surrounded by a verandah, the pillars of which are very richly carved, having on their capitals musicians and dancing figures. The upper storey has elegant projecting balcony windows, and is reached by a stair on the north side of the temple. At the principal entrance are two very small shrines—on the right of Gaumukh Yaksha, and on the left of Chakresvarî Yakshinî—the two spirits supposed to attend this Tîrthankara.