Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Budhadeet Village in Digod Tehsil in Kota District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to have been built in 9^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim invaders in 17^th century CE and the sabha mandapa was completely destroyed. The sabha mandapa is said to have been reconstructed in 18^th century CE by a Hindu ruler. Due to this sun temple here, this village came to called Budhadit. Budhadit is a combination of words Buddha (Old in English) and Aditya (Sun in English).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrances on eastern, northern and southern sides. The sanctum, antrala and shikara are basically the original structure and the sabha mandapa belongs to 18^th century CE. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet on all sides except the entrances. The sanctum doorway is intricately carved.

An image of Surya riding seven horses can be seen in the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines a new marble statue of Surya. Images of Surya riding seven horses, Lakshmi Narayana riding on Garuda and form of Surya can be seen on the niches of the exterior wall. The exterior wall is decorated with images of Hindu deities, dancers, musicians, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Barod, 21 Kms from Kapren, 26 Kms from Kapren Railway Station, 29 Kms from Digod, 55 Kms from Kota, 104 Kms from Sawai Madhopur and 229 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Barod to Kapren route.

Location

Surya Temple, Devka, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Devka, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Devka Village in Sheo Tehsil in Barmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple was built in 13^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over raised platform. The temple follows panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is surrounded by smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. The traces of south eastern and northern eastern shrines can be seen while south western and north western shrines are completely lost. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch.

The sabha mandapa and entrance porch is completely enclosed by a parapet wall on all sides except the entrances. The parapet wall has a seating arrangement in the interior. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style of architecture. The exterior of the temple is decorated with floral motifs and geometric patterns. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated opposite to the Surya temple. This shrine consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 20 Kms from Sheo, 75 Kms from Barmer, 75 Kms from Barmer Railway Station, 84 Kms from Jaisalmer and 236 Kms from Jodhpur Airport. The temple is situated on Barmer to Jaisalmer route.

Location

Surya Temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Jaisalmer City in Jaisalmer Tehsil in Jaisalmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort Complex (Sonargarh). The temple is believed to have been built in 15^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a high raised platform. The temple can be reached after climbing flight of steps. The temple consists of sanctum, mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. Idol of Ganesha, Linga and Nandi can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Jaisalmer Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Jaisalmer Railway Station, 14 Kms from Jaisalmer Airport and 156 Kms from Barmer. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on the Jaisalmer Bus Stand to Jaisalmer Airport.

Location

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Kuchaman City in Nawa Tehsil in Didwana Kuchaman District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Indra installed the idol of Surya here and built the temple subsequently.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a small hillock. This temple has been constructed in such a way that the morning sun rays fall at the feet of the Lord twice a year (March and September). These rays reach the feet of the deity through the 5 main doors.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Kuchaman Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Kuchaman City Railway Station, 29 Kms from Nawa, 43 Kms from Didwana, 97 Kms from Ajmer, 118 Kms from Jaipur and 128 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Nawa to Didwana route.

Location

Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Mandesar Village in Bhinder Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is believed to have been built in 11^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sabha mandapa is enclosed parapet walls on all sides except its entrances. The parapet wall is provided with a seating arrangement in the interior. The sabha mandapa is supported by sixteen half pillars resting on the parapet walls. The superstructure over the sabha mandapa is of domical shape.

The lintel of the sanctum doorway has carvings of Surya at its centre flanked by Brahma on the right end and Vishnu on the left end. The niches on the western, northern and southern sides have images of Surya drawn by seven horses. The exterior of the temple is decorated with images of various deities, celestial beings, dancers, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 11 Kms from Bhatewar, 21 Kms from Debari Railway Station, 22 Kms from Kheroda Railway Station, 30 Kms from Udaipur, 40 Kms from Bhinder and 82 Kms from Nimbahera. The temple is situated on the Udaipur to Nimbahera route.

Location

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Ubeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udaipur City in Girwa Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is located on a hill in the Ubeshwar area of Udaipur City.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a hill at an altitude of about 900 meter above sea level. The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ubeshwar Mahadev in the form of Shiva Linga. There is a holy pond called Gangu Kund in the temple premises. There is a small rivulet next to this temple which flows only in rainy season.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 21 Kms from Udaipur City Bus Depot, 21 Kms from Udaipur City Railway Station, 23 Kms from Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station and 41 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Udaipur is located at about 20 Kms from Eklingji, 46 Kms from Nathdwara, 102 Kms from Nimbahera, 111 Kms from Chittorgarh, 128 Kms from Sirohi, 163 Kms from Mount Abu, 250 Kms from Jodhpur and 396 Kms from Jaipur. Udaipur lies on the intersection point of East West Corridor, Golden Quadrilateral, National Highway (NH) 76 and National Highway (NH) 8, midway between Delhi and Mumbai. Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail, and air.

Location

Varaha Temple, Baghera, Rajasthan

Varaha Temple, Baghera, Rajasthan

Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Baghera Village in Kekri Tehsil in Ajmer District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is situated on the bank of Varah Sagar. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The idol was found by Rawat of Begu in the adjoining lake in 17^th century CE during his expedition in this area. The idol might be dated to 15^th century CE. The present temple was built by the Rawat of Begu in 15^th century CE. Begu is one of the prominent nobles of Mewar royal house.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands on a low raised platform. This temple follow nagara style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and frontal porch with a makara torana. The transepts and the porch are enclosed by balustrades. The sanctum enshrines an image of Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The body of the Varaha is carved with images of 500 Hindu deities.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 19 Kms from Todaraisingh, 20 Kms from Kekri, 20 Kms from Kekri Bus Stand, 58 Kms from Tonk, 78 Kms from Bijainagar Railway Station, 96 Kms from Ajmer, 97 Kms from Ajmer Junction Railway Station, 129 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 142 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is situated on Kekri to Todaraisingh route.

Location

Sun Temple, Varman, Rajasthan

Sun Temple, Varman, Rajasthan

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Varman Village in Reodar Tehsil in Sirohi District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is also called as Surya Narayana Temple / Brahmana Swami Temple. This temple is considered as one of the oldest Sun temples in India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. An inscription dating back to 1019 CE records the gift of lands to the temple by one Sohapa. The temple was partially destroyed in 1025 CE by Mahmud Ghazni. The temple was renovated in 1042 CE by Nochaka, son of Sarama during the reign of Paramara King Puranapala. The temple was rebuilt in 1299 CE by Lalita Devi, wife of Pratihara King Vinnada during the reign of Paramara King Vikramasimha of Chandravati. The temple was attacked and destroyed by Alauddin Khilji in 14^th century CE during his Gujarat invasion.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum with circumbulatory path with three transepts, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. There is a carving of a chariot drawn by seven horses, situated on a pedestal, in a niche of the sanctum. The transepts and the porch are enclosed by balustrades.

The roofs and the face-stones of the outer wall are missing. The sanctum door-frame is of the overdoor design with 5 ornate bands and shows on the lintel an image of Surya which is also repeated on the cardinal niches of the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya / Brahma Svamin in standing posture. The temple is rich in its carvings on the pillars, domes and walls.

There are beautifully carved images of the Navagrahas and Ashta Dikpalas in the temple, but these images were badly damaged during the invasion of Alauddin Khilji in 14^th century CE during his Gujarat invasion. The interior pillars, which are tetragonal, are plain below and decorated in the upper half with scrolls, kirtimukhas and makara-heads in roundels, carrying a floral frieze and capital, supporting either double roll or atlantean brackets.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Reodar, 7 Kms from Reodar Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Mandar, 43 Kms from Abu Road Railway Station, 59 Kms from Sirohi, 65 Kms from Mount Abu and 203 Kms from Udaipur Airport. The temple is situated on Reodar to Mandar route.

Location

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – History

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – History

The temple is in existence from the time of Satavahanas. However, the present structure was constructed by the Kadambas in 5^th century CE. Excavations around the present structure had revealed brick structure of the Satavahana period. There is an inscription on the right door jamb of the temple. It records a grant of money by certain Kakustha of Bhatari dynasty for feeding thirty residents of Sthana Kunjapura. The Kakustha of Bhatari dynasty might be a feudatory under the Kadambas.

There is another inscription on the left door jamb of the temple. It mentions Queen Prabhavati of Kekaya dynasty, the wife of Kadamba King Mrigeshavarman and the mother of Ravivarman, the successor of  Mrigeshavarman. Talagunda was the hometown of the Kadambas of Vaijayanti (Banvasi) who won over the Chutus and established the first indigenous Kannada kingdom in around the first quarter of the fourth century CE with their capital at Banvasi.

Talagunda was called as Sthala Kundura, Sthana Kundur and Sthana Kunjapura. Talagunda is famous for its pillar inscription discovered in 1894 CE by B.L Rice, then Director of Archaeological Research in Mysore and a celebrated pioneer of historical studies in Karnataka. This inscription dates back to the reign of Kadamba king Santivarman, son of Kakusthavarman. This inscription also records that the temple was worshipped by Satakarnis.

Talagunda is the earliest known agrahara (place of learning) found in Karnataka. An inscription dated to 1091 CE found at Talagunda mentions that 32 Brahmins were relocated from a place called Ahichchhatra to Sthana Kundur by Kadamba Mukanna (Trilochana / Trinetra). Mukanna was an ancestor of Mayura Sharma, the founder of the Kadamba Dynasty. The extensive remains of Ahichhatra, the capital town of Northern Panchala have been discovered near Ramnagar village of Aonla Tehsil in the district of Bareilly in the state of Uttara Pradesh.

A later inscription of Hangal Kadambas in Kargudari records that Mayuravarman came from the Himalayan regions and brought eighteen Brahmans from Ahichhatra with him and established them in Kuntala region. An inscription in Prakrit of the Satavahana period was found at Malvalli near Talagunda confirms that Talagunda was under the control of Satavahanas from 1^st century CE to 2^nd century CE.

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – Talagunda Pillar Inscription

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – Talagunda Pillar Inscription

The Talagunda pillar inscription is an epigraphic record in Sanskrit engraved on hard grey granite pillar found in front of the Pranavesvara Temple. However, the temple was largely destroyed and only ruins had survived when the pillar was rediscovered in late 19^th century. The inscription is dated to between 455 and 470 CE. The record is written by poet Kubja, under the order of the King Santivarman of Kadamba dynasty. The pillar is 1.635 metres (5.36 ft) high with a 0.4 metres (1.3 ft) square top. 

It is octagonal shaft that slightly tapers and narrows as it goes up. The width of the octagonal face is 0.178 metres (0.58 ft). The inscription is on all faces, but on 7 of the 8 faces, it consists of two vertical lines that start at the bottom of the pillar. On the eighth face, there is just one short line. The inscription begins with Siddham like numerous early inscriptions in India, and it invokes "Namo Shivaya". The inscription consists of 34 poetic verses that respect the chanda rules of Sanskrit.

However, it uses a mix of meters such as Pushpitagra, Indravajra, Vasantatilaka, Prachita and others. Each verse has four padas. The first 24 verses of the inscription are the earliest known use of matrasamaka meter. These features suggest that the author(s) of this inscription in South India had an intimate expertise in classical Sanskrit and Vedic literature on prosody. The inscription was discovered in 1894 by B. L. Rice, then Director of Archaeological Research in Mysore and a celebrated pioneer of historical studies in Karnataka.

He gave a photograph to the colonial era Indologist Buhler, who published it 1895. The inscription's historical significance caught the attention of the epigraphist Fleet who published some notes. Rice published a translation of the inscription in 1902, in volume 7 of Epigraphia Carnatica. A more accurate reading of the inscription and more exhaustive interpretation and translation was published by the Sanskrit scholar Kielhorn in Epigraphia Indica in 1906. Sircar included the record in his Select Inscriptions. 

More recent collections have included the inscription again, notably those by B. R. Gopal, and G. S. Gai. The inscription gives an account of a Brahmin Kadamba dynasty and the reign of King Santivarman of Kadamba dynasty in northwest Karnataka. It records the genealogy of the Kadamba dynasty from its founder Mayurasharma till King Santivarman. It records that King Kakusthavarman, father of King Santivarman constructed a great tank near a Shiva temple at Sthala Kundura (Talagunda) where Satakarnis and other kings had formerly worshiped.

It also mentions that the Kadamba family belonged to Manavya gotra and descended from Haritiputra. It mentions that the Kadambas were a Brahmin family devoted to the study of Vedas and performer of sacrificial rites. They got their name from the fact that they carefully tended a Kadamba tree which grew near their home. This inscription records that Mayurasharma, native of Talagunda, was accomplished in vaidika and went to the Pallava capital, Kanchipuram to study scriptures, accompanied by his guru and grandfather Veerasharma.

Mayurasharma was a humiliated by a Pallava guard (horseman) in Kanchipuram. Due to this incident, Mayurasharma gave up his Brahminic studies and took to the sword to avenge his insult. Mayurasharma defeated the frontier-guards of the Pallavas and occupied the forest stretching to the gates of Sriparvata (Srisailam). The Pallavas recognized his valour and made a pact with him by which he entered in their service and eventually received territory of his own.

Mayurasharma was anointed as a king of this territory. The inscription attests to the importance of Kanchipuram as a center (ghatika) for advanced studies in ancient India. This inscription also mentions that King Kakusthavarman married his daughter to the royal family of the Gupta dynasty. Kadambas were also matrimonially associated with the Western Gangas and the Vakatakas.