Pawaya Archeological Site – The Archeological Site

Pawaya Archeological Site – The Archeological Site

This temple is probably the biggest brick temple dated to the reigns of Gupta period. The temple might have been dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as an image of Lord Vishnu was found during an excavation. It is a three terraced structure raised upon a high raised plinth. There are passages built into this plinth to provide access to the first tier of the temple.

The first tier is built with brick-built pilasters all around. There might be more than two tiers on top of the first tier but currently only two tiers remains. There are stairs providing access to the second tier. The brick temple and ruins covers an area of about 2 square miles. Several mounds with ruined brick structure can be seen in the area.

The most significant sculptures found in the Pawaya archeological site are as follows;

Manibhadra Yaksha:

The image of Manibhadra Yaksha is now housed in the Gwalior Gujari Mahal Museum. It was found in Pawaya during the excavation in 1911 CE. The sculpture is depicted standing on a pedestal with two arms. The right hand is completely damaged. The left hand holds a money bag and it suffered a little damage. The image is about 4 ft 10 inch tall. The head is missing completely.

He is shown wearing a waist cloth and scarf. He also wears necklace, armlet on the right hand and bracelet on the left hand. The image has an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script at its pedestal. The inscription runs about 6 lines and records the installation of the image by the members of an assembly during the fourth regnal year of King Sivanandi.

Surya Capital:

This Surya capital has two figures of Surya standing back to back and a wheel in between. The two figures might have represented the rising sun and the setting sun. It was found during the excavation in 1911 CE. A similar capital with figures of Garuda can be seen at the top of the Eran Pillar.

Palm Capital:

This Palm capital was found during the excavation in 1911 CE. It is currently housed in the Gwalior Gujari Mahal Museum. The sculpture is of white sand stone and cylindrical in shape. The capital is covered with three courses of palm leaves. The top is shown with a closed bud and the uppermost course of leaves point upwards.

The two lower courses are shown with leaves point downwards. Bunches of fruits can be seen in the intervals between the leaves. A rampant lion can be seen in the lowermost course. The capital is in mutilated condition. The base of the capital clearly indicates that the capital might have been on top of a pillar in the ancient past.

Door Lintel:

This door lintel was found during the excavations in 1924 CE near the temple platform. The lintel has three different sections depicting the story of Vamana avathara. The left corner of the lintel is partially broken. It depicts a woman dancing in the courtyard surrounded by musicians plating various musical instruments such as Vina, violin, flute, drum and cymbals.

The central part of the lintel depicts the yagna of Mahabali. The yagasala is three storeyed. The sacrificial animal is tied to a pole. King Mahabali is shown seated with his queens opposite to the sacrificial animal. The sacrificial fire separates the king and the animal. A carving of King Mahabali is shown pouring water in the hands of Vamana next to it.

The upper two storeys of the yagasala were depicted with ladies witnessing the sacrifice. The right corner of the lintel is mostly broken. An eight-armed Vishnu in his Trivikrama posture can be seen here. Chandra is shown on his chariot driven by stags. The other side of the lintel is depicted with the scene of Samudra Manthan and Kartikeya.

Vishnu Idol:

The Vishnu idol is four armed. The head and the crown are damaged. It is currently housed in the Gwalior Gujari Mahal Museum.

Naga Idol:

This Idol might represent a Naga King. This idol is about 5 feet tall. The face of the idol is badly damaged, hands and legs are broken. A seven hooded serpent can be seen as a canopy over the head of the idol. The serpent is also badly damaged. The idol is depicted wearing a close-fitting waist cloth and a folded scarf tied round the waist. Traces of ear rings and necklace can be seen on the idol.

Terracotta Figures:

Terracotta figures found in Pawaya are considered as one of the beautiful artistic pieces made in the ancient world. The terracotta figures were from Naga as well as Gupta period. Most of the terracotta figures are heads of various human figures, animals and birds. All these human figures are known for their hair styles and facial expressions. All these terracotta images are displayed in the Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum at Gwalior.