4.25. Temples associated with Samantasinha

Ranaka Samantasinha in the time of Visaladeva in V. S. 1319 (A. D. 1262) gave some grants for the maintenance of the temples of Ballala-Narayana and Rupa-Narayana 262 in Vardh pathaka. These temples cannot be traced; now. These temples, unless they be of Visnu under his local names, seem to be of Surya, or of a composite aspect of Surya and Visnu. Even now there are some temples in Gujarat which are called by the name of Surya-narayana, the cult image being a combination of Surya and Visnu. 263 From the Kantela (Dist Junagadh.) inscription of Arjundeva's reign we learn that one Samantasinha erected an image of Visnu called Salaksa-Narayana (in V. S. 1320) in the temple of Laksmi-narayana to increase the merit of his dead brother 258. Commentary to 'Sravaka Dharma Prakarana' composed in V. S. 1317. 259. Abhayatilaka gani 'Mahavira Rasa' composed in V. S. 1317. 260. Jinpatidhavalagita. * Some 9.6 kms. from Kodinar (Dist. Junagadh ) 261. Baroda Archaeological Department 34-35 p. 13 para 33. 262. Kadi grant Indian Antiquary Vedic Index, 210-13. 263. Archaeology of Gujarat p. 214.

190 The Structural Temples of Gujarat named Salaksa.264 Thus we see that memorial temples were erected not only by Saivas, but by the Vaisnavas as well. Although the temple is called Laksmi narayana temple it has now a linga established within it. From a record of one of the inscriptions at Girnar it is learnt that the said Samanatsinha also erected a temple dedicated to Parsvanatha. 265