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TEJPAL
TEMPLE
Another superb specimen of sculptural art lying adjacent is called
Tejpal Mandir, built in 1231 by two brothers, called Vastupal and
Tejpal, the ministers under Raja Vira Dhavala, an illustrious ruler
of Gujarat. Though it shares many characteristic features of the
Vimal Vashi's temple, it reveals a greater degree of craftsmanship
and technical progress. The most remarkable feature of the temple
that strikes the eye of the viewers is the marble pendant that
adorns the dome of the porch. It is hanging from the ceiling like a
cluster of lotuses semi-open, whose cups are so finely wrought that
they appear to be almost transparent. In the principal cell is
installed the image of Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar. The
courtyard contains 48 cells, each housing a Tirthankar. The elephant
Gallery akin to one in Vimal Vasahi temple is embellished with a
screen noted for its pierced stone trellises of un-surpassing
beauty. This patron deserves unqualified praise for inextinguishable
passion for perfection; for, he promised to the carvers rewards in
silver and gold equal to the weight of marble filings. And he did.
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