Kirti Toran

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Toranas or Victory Arches are the most outstanding historical monuments of Vadnagar. These magnificent arches, standing on the western shore of Lake Sharmishtha, are believed to have been erected by the Solanki rulers (942-1242A.D.) in the 10th century. And probably they symbolize the victory over the occupiers from the north-east. More than four-stories tall, these intricately carved arches are made from red sandstone.

Some historians believe that the Toranas are remnants of a very large palace or temple complex. It is quite possible that where they stand today might not be their original place. There is no explanation as to why are they erected side by side in such an irregular way. Also, there aren’t any other ruins around them. Are they transplanted here from some other site? Much land area between Toranas and Naagdhara from where water flows into Lake Sharmishtha is made of irregular mounds. There were many ruins in this area. A large quantity of carved stone slabs as well as statues were lying scattered all over the place till the late 1960s. Most of these seem to have disappeared today. But, if excavated properly, the entire area may still have a lot more to reveal to us. Source

According to the information board there, the torans were built in the 12th century and stood at the northern and eastern entrances of a great temple (similar to the Rudra Mahalaya), which no longer exists. Both the torans are made of sandstone and have been built without mortar and cementing material with a base of 2.5 sq.m. to give the pillars stability.To say that the torans are stunning is a bit of an understatement and also stating the obvious, but even after having seen similar torans, the grandeur left me awestruck. The design and carvings were similar to the ones I saw at the Rudra Mahalaya and also the Sun Temple at Modhera. Source

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