History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.s8.7

v2.c24.s8.7

The Jaina temples form a fairly compact group to the south-east of the others, and the largest and finest of them is the Pârswanâth temple, which extends to about 62 ft. in length by half that in breadth. It has an outside porch on two advanced pillars with two square engaged ones by the sides of the entrance. Inside, the mandapa, about 22 ft. by 17 ft., has four pillars, with respondent pilasters supporting the domed roof, constructed in the usual way by cusped recesses forming a remarkably beautiful design. Beyond the hall is the shrine, surrounded by a pradakshina passage. The outside walls are ornamented with numerous bands of mouldings and with three rows of statues, as is shown in the photographic view, Plate XVIII. (frontispiece). At the back or west end an outside shrine is attached, projecting about 9 ft. The temple was repaired and re-occupied by the Jains about 1860; but it had been restored and altered at a much earlier date.¹