Devarani and Jithani temples

Devarani and Jithani temples are two temples located in Tala.[1]

Devarani Temple

History

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Donald Stadtner dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE.[2] However, Hans Bakker argues that the Jithani temple was built at an earlier date than the Devarani temple, ascertained due to the fact that the Jithani temple has a somewhat unconventional and experimental structure, and may have collapsed under its own weight.[3]

The temples were excavated in the 20th century.

Description

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The elaborately carved doorway

Devarani Temple

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The temple is aligned along an east–west axis, with its entrance facing east and the rear facing the Maniari river to the west. The entrance is accessible by a flight of steps. The temple measures 75 × 32 feet and is constructed from ashlar. It consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (antechamber), and a small mukhamandapa (pavilion). The sanctum is slightly larger than the antechamber.

On each exterior wall of the temple, there are two vertical niches rising up to the roof. The entrance to the pavilion is flanked by two monolithic pillars.[4]

Doorway

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The doorway is elaborately decorated. The outer side of the doorframe is composed of six sakhas (bands). The base of the doorjamb contains two large standing female figures, along with attendants. The figures are mutilated; However, they likely depict the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna.[5]

The inner faces of the doorjamb contain reliefs in panels. On the left, Shaivite imagery is depicted, including a depiction of Uma Maheshwara. On the right, Kubera is seen along with attendants, followed by kirtimukhas and mithunas.

The lintel is divided into two horizontal zones. The upper lintel has an image of Gajalakshmi at the center, flanked by two elephants and vidyadhara couples. The Kankala incarnation of Shiva is displayed in the center of the lower lintel.[6] He is flanked by attendants on either side. Elephant busts, lion busts, and other gods also occupy this zone. In the underside of the lintel are three medallions.[4] The central medallion contains fifteen squatting figures, with the right hand of each figure is held upon the head of the figure in front of it.[7]

Rudra Shiva Statue

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Tala statue

A statue was found buried here in 1988, identified as Rudra Shiva. It weights 5 tons and has a height of 8 feet.[8]

Jithani Temple

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Ruins of the Jethani temple

The Jithani Temple is in ruins. It had three entrances, with the main entrance facing south, accessible by a flight of steps. The other two entrances faced east and west.[9] Among the ruins, several Shaivite sculptures are found, including those of Kartikeya, Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, and Nandi. Some of these fragments are housed in the Bilaspur Museum. The ruins also contain figures of makaras and ganas.[10] Three large stone amalakas are also among the ruins.[11]

References

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  1. ^ Chakravarty, Kalyan (1992). "The Temples at Tala and the Art of Daksina Kosala".
  2. ^ Stadtner 1980, pp. 38, 47.
  3. ^ Bakker 1994, p. 258.
  4. ^ a b Deva 1988, p. 229.
  5. ^ Stadtner 1980, p. 42.
  6. ^ Stadtner 1980, p. 44.
  7. ^ Stadtner 1980, p. 46.
  8. ^ Nigam, L. S., ed. (2000). Riddle of Indian iconography: zetetic on rare icon from Tālā. Delhi: Sharada Pub. House. ISBN 978-81-85616-63-6.
  9. ^ Bakker 1994, p. 261-262.
  10. ^ Bakker 1994, p. 261.
  11. ^ Stadtner 1980, p. 47.

Bibliography

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