Temple Of Mahavir At Ahar

This document, "The Temple of Mahavira at Ahar" by M. A. Dhaky, is a detailed architectural analysis of a significant Jain temple located in Ahar (formerly known as Ahad or Aaghata), the historical capital of the Guhilas of Mewar. The author dedicates this study to Muni Jinavijaya, recognizing his contributions to Indology and Indian Archaeology.

Key Points of the Summary:

• Historical Context of Ahar: Ahar served as the capital of Mewar from the mid-10th century until around 980 AD. This period was a hub of architectural activity, evidenced by surviving temple ruins. The author notes the earlier discussion of the Vishnu Temple (known as Meera's Temple) and the ongoing study of other Brahmanical and Jain temples in the area.

• Temple of Mahavira (Kesariyaji): The focus of this paper is the Temple of Mahavira, currently known as Kesariyaji. It is one of two Jain temples situated north of the Vishnu Temple.

• Architectural Components and Renovation:

  • The temple stands on a high terrace (Jagati) that has been largely renovated, except for the main southern entrance.
  • Two flanking chapels (Devakulikas) are older but were transferred and re-erected in the late 15th century, not belonging to the original complex.
  • The current doorframe is a later substitution, although the engaged pillars flanking it are original.
  • The temple complex originally comprised the Shrine proper (Mulaprasada), a closed hall (Gudhamandapa), a vestibule (Mukhamandapa), a Dancing Hall (Rangamandapa), and two attached halls (Bhadra-prasadas).

• Mula Prasada (Shrine Proper):

  • Plan: Tri-anga (three-faceted) with bhadra (central offset), karna (corner), and atiratha (buttress) projections.
  • Pitha (Base): Features elements like bhirita, jadyakumbha, karnika, and a grisa patrika with kirttimukhas.
  • Mandovara (Wall): The kumbha (pitcher) of the wall base depicts figures of Cakreshvari, Vairotya, and Sarasvati. The remaining kumbha faces have bold half-diamond motifs. The jangha (frieze) is adorned with fine figures of apsarases, vyalas, and Dikpalas, with Yama and Nirrti being masterpieces of the Maha-Gurjara style. A lotus-bearing apsaras on the south bhadra is identified as Padmavati. The niches for Jina images are now empty, some even pierced through.
  • Upper Structure: Above the jangha is a wide sirsapattika with figures of seated and standing Jinas and Vidya Devis. Above this, the bhadra has vidyadhara-mala, while the corners and pratirathas have plain square capitals. The crowning elements are double courses of kantha-and varandika.
  • Kapili: The connecting passage (kapili) features Dikpala Varuna on the west and Ishana on the east, alongside vyalas.

• Gudhamandapa (Closed Hall):

  • The kumbha faces are decorated with Vidyadevis and Yakshis like Ambika and Sarasvati.
  • The bhadra niches contain Sarasvati on the west and Cakreshvari on the east.
  • The front wall features Jivantasyami Mahavira on the west and a standing Jina in kayotsarga on the east, flanked by apsarases and vyatas.
  • The figures here appear later than those on the Mula Prasada, suggesting renovations around 1050 AD, evidenced by the presence of the Jivantasyami figure which indicates dedication to Mahavira.

• Later Additions and Dating:

  • The pillars of the Mukhamandapa are simple.
  • The large parikara (frame) around the main image is old.
  • The sikhara (spire) over the Mula Prasada and the superstructure of the Gudhamandapa are new.
  • The Rangamandapa and the two Bhadraprasadas are of a later period, possibly late 15th century.
  • The entourage of Devakulikas around the Rangamandapa, except for one (Fig. 8), are not contemporary with the Mula Prasada. This particular Devakulika shares decorative details and motifs (Dikpalas, apsaras, vyalas, seated Jina) with the Mula Prasada.

• Dating of the Mula Prasada and Devakulika: The author estimates the Mula Prasada and the contemporary Devakulika to be from the late 10th century. This dating is supported by features like two-armed Dikpalas, vyalas in recessioned corners, the specific sirsapattika, square capitals, and the absence of ribbed capping on the wall. The presence of karnika in the pitha and ardharatna on the kumbha faces suggests a date close to the dawn of the 11th century, making the temple only slightly younger than the Vishnu Temple.

• Significance: The Temple of Mahavira at Ahar is considered significant as it belongs to the "transition age" in Western Indian temple architecture, a period with few existing examples. Its study provides valuable insights into the evolution of temple design during this era.