Marvelous Monuments

The Tomb of Sakar Khan is located in Champaner, Gujarat state, India. This majestic tomb is the largest mausoleum in the old city of Gujarat. The tomb named after Sakar Hhan, stands on a plinth and has a large dome, its facade has windows. The construction of this tomb is datable to 15th century A.D. Picture Credit:  Parth Vaghela

Hutheesing Temple is the best-known Jain temple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This remarkably elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 lakh rupees by a rich merchant Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh, a wealthy Ahmedabad trader who died at 49. The construction was supervised and completed by his wife Shethani Harkunvar. Temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain tirthankara, Shri Dharmanatha. Traditional artisans working in stone belonged to the Sompura & Salat communities. The temple architect was Premchand Salat and the work of the Hutheesing Jain temple is attributed to him. The Salat community constructed masterpieces of architecture ranging from forts, palaces to temples. Lockwood de Forest who was a business associate of Muggenbhai Hutheesing, the son of Sheth Hutheesing, estimated the cost as "over a million dollars".

The "Toran" (or Torana) at Harishchandra ni chori is in Aravalli district of Gujarat state of India. This monument probably dates to the 10th century A.D.   This ornamental gateway (toran) is on bank of Meswo river. Harishchandra ni Chroi courtyard's walls have fallen but the ornamental gateway (toran) still stands and is intact. Picture Credit:  Parth Vaghela

Harishchandra ni Chori is located in Aravalli district of Gujarat state of India on the banks of the Meshvo river in the valley surrounded by well wooded hills.  Chori in Gujarati means the marriage pavilion   where a couple goes around the ritual fire during the wedding ceremony.   The temple at Harishchandra ni chori probably dates to the 10th century A.D. is named in the belief that the legendary king Harishchandra was married here. The sanctum doorway is adorned with bands comprising a creeper, lotus leaves and the vine which is supposed to grant wishes. The two females' figures at its base are Ganga and Yamuna. It has a rectangular sanctum with a large pavilion in front. The whole structure is enclosed within the courtyard. The walls of this courtyard have fallen down. Picture Credit:  Parth Vaghela