Markandesvara Temple is
a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha,
India. The temple is
situated on the southwestern corner of Bindu Sagar tank. The Temple is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI).
History
This Temple is one of the earliest temples built by
Bhauma Kara Dynasty during 8th Century CE.
The Temple
The temple faces east. The temple is made of sandstone
while the boundary wall is made of laterite. The temple is positioned on a low
level and can be approached by descending a fleet of steps at the end of the
lane. It consists of a Deul and jagamohana. The Tower over the Vimana rises to
a height of about 31 feet. The Base is made of four mouldings. The Bada remains
tri ratha in design but it was precursor to Pancha Ratha Style.
The actual jagamohana was completely destroyed. Current jagamohana
is a modern construction using plain blocks of stone. It is a rectangular hall
with a sloping roof. The back wall of the jagamohana is joined with the front
wall of the Deul through a connecting doorway. This joining allows the niches
on either side of the front wall of the Deul remain visible for a visitor. The
northern end niche houses a popular motif of alasya kanya, a female standing in
a doorway.
Vajra mastaka on the front is made of two superimposed
medallions, the lower one is empty and the upper one has twelve-armed Shiva Nataraja,
dancing in chatura pose. Vajra-mastaka on north has Mahishasuramardhini and on
south has Hari-Hara. Vajra-mastaka on the west is much damaged. Among the
scenes depicted in the recess between gandi and bada, the one of interest is of
Brahma and Vishnu paying homage to Shiva and a scene of Linga worship.
The Sanctum doorways is constructed with three bands.
There are three niches on the inner band, on each side. On the left, Brahma,
Agni and a Shaiva dvarapala can be found, while on the right Varuna, a damaged
figure and a Shaiva dvarapala can be found. Three guardian figures are present
at the base, on either side. Ashta graha (eight planets) panel can be found
above the lintel.
Most of the niche images are damaged completely. Some of
the niche images were standing Shiva, Ganesha, seated in ardhaparyanka mudra
with a yoga patta made of serpent, Hari-Hara with a female on his left, Gangadhara,
kneeling Bhagiratha, Kartikeya, standing his one hand placed over his hip and
in another holding a vija puraka, Bhikashatanamurti, four-armed Ardhanareeswarar,
has four-armed Parvati, standing with her attendants and Ekapada.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location
No comments:
Post a Comment