Markandeswar Temple, Puri – Inscriptions

Markandeswar Temple, Puri – Inscriptions

There are four ancient inscriptions found in the Markandeswar temple premises. Out of them, two stone inscriptions belongs to the Ganga dynasty. One of the two inscription of Ganga Kings, dating to 57^th regnal year of Chodaganga Deva written in odia, talks about a grant on lighting a perpetual lamp to burn in Markandeswar Temple.

The second inscription is written in Sanskrit language in North Indian script. It states that in Magha and the bright fortnight of sixth tithi and in holy Friday, his brother Veera Pramadiraja granted some property to the Saivacharyas in the temple of Markandeswar. Pramadiraja is the younger brother of Chodaganga Deva and his brother was associated with and appeared in battles of Utkal and Bangi in between 1112 & 1152 A.D., for long 40 years.

The 3^rd is Pancha Pandava Shrine inscription which is written in mixed script of Devanagari and Bengali. The inscription is not clear but from three lines it is known that this small shrine was built by Nanaji, the Maratha chief and. his minister Munjaji who appointed to masons named Sutradhar Sagaranga & Bhimandas. The temple was constructed when Puri was under Maratha rule from 1751 to 1803 AD.

The 4^th inscription is Kaliyadalan Mandapa or Boitideula inscription which is written in Odia script and Sanskrit language. The inscription states that King Hari Krishna Singh cleaned the Markandeswar Tank and constructed steps to the tank. He built the Mandapa and called himself Keerti Chandra.