Delwara Jain Temples

Author(s): Jayantvijay
Publisher: Seth Kalyanji Parmanandji Pedhi

Page 9

O@oyeeyee Jeoveyoverava
On the pillars are placed the female figures playing musical instruments and above are 16 Vidhyadevis – the goddesses of knowledge - each one having her own symbol. The adorned motifis and ornamental frame works are noticeable. It represents the height of artistic achievements and religious fervour. Navchowki : It comprises of nine rectangular ceilings, each one containing beautiful carvings of different designs supported on the ornate pillars. There are two big niches containing sculptures of 'Adinath' on both sides. Gudh-Mandap : Inside the profusely decorated doorway, is installed principal deity - Lord Rishabdev, also called Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar. Gudh-Mandap is simple, meant for obeisance and Arti' to the deity. There are two standing images of white marble of Lord Parswanath in meditation on both sides.
e-2064 Hastishala (Elephant Cell) is 120 This was constructed by Prithvipal, a decedant of Vimal Shah in 1147-49 A.D. as mentioned above. In front of the entrance door, equestrian statue of Vimal Shah originally carved of white marble is seen. The whole sculpture is mutilated and was repaired by plaster. Inside, ten marble sculptures of standing statues of elephants, arranged in three rows, beautifully carved, well-modelled and adorned were installed but they were destroyed badly by muslim army in 1311 A.D. A Samavasaran, circular in shape, is also noteworthy.