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{{Infobox religious building
]'''Devarani and Jithani temples''' are two temples located in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakravarty |first=Kalyan |year=1992 |title=The Temples at Tala and the Art of Daksina Kosala |url=https://openpublishing.psu.edu/ahd/content/temples-tala-and-art-daksina-kosala |access-date= |website= |language=en}}</ref> The Devarani temple is built out of ashlar, and in a state of good preservation. Consisting of a shrine, antechamber, and pavilion, it is built out of ]. The doorway of the temple is lavishly decorated with sculptures carved in ]. A ] ] statue excavated from the temple is placed in situ, and various parts of its body are represented by animal figures as well as human heads.
| name = Devrani Jethani Temple Complex
| religious_affiliation = ]
| image = {{multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 270
| image_style =
| perrow = 1/2/3/2/1/1
| image1 = 0010822 6th century Tala Devrani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh 118.jpg
|200px|
| caption1 = ]
| image3 = 0010822 6th century Tala Jethani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh 009.jpg|200px|
| caption3 = Ruins of ]}}
| caption =
| location = ], ]
| country = India
| coordinates = {{coord|21.9072|N|82.0259|E|}}
| sect = ]
| state = ]
| deity = ]
| architect =
| completed = 525–550 CE
| map_type =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| architecture_type = Ruined Hindu temple
| website =
}}
'''Devrani Jethani Temple Complex''' is a complex of two temples located in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakravarty |first=Kalyan |year=1992 |title=The Temples at Tala and the Art of Daksina Kosala |url=https://openpublishing.psu.edu/ahd/content/temples-tala-and-art-daksina-kosala |access-date= |website= |language=en}}</ref> The Devrani temple is in a state of good preservation. Consisting of a shrine, antechamber, and pavilion, it is built out of ]. The doorway of the temple is lavishly decorated with sculptures carved in ]. A ] statue excavated from the temple is placed in situ, and various parts of its body are represented by animal figures as well as human heads.


The Jithani temple is in ruins, and its plan can be ascertained by fragments strewn across the temple site. The temples are an importance example of the architecture of the ] region. The Jethani temple is in ruins, and its plan can be ascertained by fragments strewn across the temple site. The temples are an importance example of the architecture of the ] region.


== History == == History ==
Donald Stadtner dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE.{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|pp=38, 47}} However, ] 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.{{sfn|Bakker|1994|p=258}} Due to the lack of a foundation inscription or other epigraphical evidence regarding its construction, the dating of the temple complex is based upon the architectural style. Donald Stadtner dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE.{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|pp=38, 47}} Others have dated both temples to the late 6th century, during the reign of the ] dynasty.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Joanna Gottfried |title=The Art of Gupta India |date=1983 |publisher=Heritage |isbn=978-0-691-03988-6 |location=New Delhi |pages=128}}</ref> ] argues that the Jethani temple was built at an earlier date than the Devrani temple, ascertained due to the fact that the Jethani temple has a somewhat unconventional and experimental structure, and may have collapsed under its own weight.{{sfn|Bakker|1994|p=258}}


The temples were excavated in the 20th century by the ]. In the course of the excavations, the scattered fragments of the Jithani temple were studied, and some were placed in the Bilaspur museum. In 1988, the massive Rudra Shiva sculpture was unearthed from beneath the Devarani temple, which is now placed ].<ref name=":0" /> The temples were excavated in the 20th century by the ]. In the course of the excavations, the scattered fragments of the Jethani temple were studied, and some were placed in the Bilaspur museum. In 1988, the massive Rudra Shiva sculpture was unearthed from beneath the Devrani temple, which is now placed ].<ref name=":0" />


==Description== ==Description==
] ]
===Devrani Temple===
The Devrani temple is fairly well-preserved, apart from the fact that its '']'' (temple tower) is lost. It 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 ].{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=38-40}}


It consists of a '']'' (sanctum), '']'' (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. These are shallow and narrow, and it does not seem likely that any sculptures occupied the niches. The positions of these niches on the northern and southern wall correspond with the centers of the sanctum and the antechamber. Such niches are an element of early ] temple architecture, seen in temples such as the ].{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=39}}
===Devarani Temple===
The Devarani temple is fairly well-preserved, apart from the fact that its ] (temple tower) is lost. It 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 ].{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=38-40}}


It consists of a '']'' (sanctum), '']'' (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.{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}} The entrance to the pavilion is flanked by two monolithic pillars.{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}


==== Doorway ==== ==== Doorway ====
]
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 ] and ]. The inner faces of the doorjamb contain reliefs in panels. On the left, Shaivite imagery is depicted, including a depiction of ]. On the right, ] is seen along with attendants, followed by ]s and ].{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=42-43}}
The doorway is elaborately decorated. The outer side of the doorframe is composed of six ''sakhas'' (bands). The first three inner bands display leaf motifs, foliate scrolls interwoven with birds, and a twisted twisted garland respectively. The fourth is a narrow band, displaying leaf motifs. The fifth is a jamb in the form of a pillar, with a ]-shaped base and '']'' figures at the top. The outermost band is broad, again displaying leaf motifs.{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=42-43}}


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 ] and ]. The inner faces of the doorjamb contain reliefs in panels. On the left, Shaivite imagery is depicted, including a depiction of ]. On the right, ] is seen along with attendants, followed by ]s and ].{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=42-43}}
The lintel is divided into two horizontal sections. The upper section features an image of ] at the center, flanked by two elephants and ] couples. In the lower section, the ] incarnation of Shiva is depicted in the center, with attendants on either side. Elephant and lion busts, along with other gods, also occupy this section. On the underside of the lintel are three medallions. The central medallion contains fifteen squatting figures, each with its right hand placed upon the head of the figure in front.{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=44-46}}{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}

The lintel is divided into two horizontal sections. The upper section features an image of ] at the center, flanked by two elephants and ] couples. In the lower section, the ] incarnation of Shiva is depicted in the center, with attendants on either side. Elephant and lion busts, along with other gods, also occupy this section. On the underside of the lintel are three circular medallions. The central medallion contains fifteen squatting figures, each with its right hand placed upon the head of the figure in front.{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=44-46}}{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}


==== Rudra Shiva Statue ==== ==== Rudra Shiva Statue ====
{{Main article|Rudra Shiva (statue)}}
]
A statue was found buried here in 1988, identified as Rudra Shiva. It weights 5 tons and has a height of 8 feet. Various parts of the figure's body are represented by animals as well as human heads. A lizard forms its nose while the hind legs of the lizard form the eyebrows. The eyes are shaped like frogs and peacocks constitute the ears of the figure. The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab. The shoulders are shaped like ] crocodiles, while the knees are made out of lion-heads. Human heads are found on the chest, torso, and thighs of the figure.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Riddle of Indian iconography: zetetic on rare icon from Tālā |date=2000 |publisher=Sharada Pub. House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S. |location=Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Majumdar |first=Susmita Basu |date=2003 |title=Tracing the Religio-Specific Traits in the Saiva Sculptures of South Kosala |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44145470 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=64 |pages=277–285 |jstor=44145470 |issn=2249-1937}}</ref>


] excavated from the Devrani temple]]
=== Jithani Temple ===
A statue was found buried here in 1988, identified as ] Shiva. It weights 5 tons and has a height of 8 feet. Various parts of the figure's body are represented by animals as well as human heads. A lizard forms its nose while the hind legs of the lizard form the eyebrows. The eyes are shaped like frogs and peacocks constitute the ears of the figure. The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab. The shoulders are shaped like '']'' crocodiles, while the knees are made out of lion-heads. Human heads are found on the chest, torso, and thighs of the figure.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Riddle of Indian iconography: zetetic on rare icon from Tālā |date=2000 |publisher=Sharada Pub. House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S. |location=Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Majumdar |first=Susmita Basu |date=2003 |title=Tracing the Religio-Specific Traits in the Saiva Sculptures of South Kosala |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44145470 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=64 |pages=277–285 |jstor=44145470 |issn=2249-1937}}</ref>

=== 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. Among the ruins, several ] sculptures are found, including those of ], Shiva, ], and ]. Some of these fragments are housed in the Bilaspur Museum. The ruins also contain figures of makaras and ganas. Three large stone ]s are also among the ruins.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}}{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=47}} The Jethani Temple is in ruins, and its plan is ascertained from the remains of pillars and sculpture scattered across the site. It had three entrances, with the main entrance facing south, accessible by a flight of steps. The other two entrances faced east and west.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}}

Among the ruins, several ] sculptures are found, including those of ], Shiva, ], and ]. The prolific Shaivite imagery indicates that this temple was also dedicated to Shiva. The ruins also contain '']'' and ''gana'' figures, which had been used to support pillars. Some of these fragments are housed in the Bilaspur Museum.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}}

Three large stone ]s are also among the ruins. If these were used in the temple superstructure, it would indicate that the Jithani temple is built in a more conventional north Indian architectural style, as opposed to the Devarani temple, which displays ] influences.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}}{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=47}}


==References== ==References==

Latest revision as of 14:19, 3 January 2025

Devrani Jethani Temple Complex
Devrani MandirRuins of Jethani Mandir
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
SectShaivism
DeityRudra Shiva
Location
LocationTala, Bilaspur district
StateChhattisgarh
CountryIndia
Geographic coordinates21°54′26″N 82°01′33″E / 21.9072°N 82.0259°E / 21.9072; 82.0259
Architecture
TypeRuined Hindu temple
Completed525–550 CE

Devrani Jethani Temple Complex is a complex of two temples located in Tala. The Devrani temple is in a state of good preservation. Consisting of a shrine, antechamber, and pavilion, it is built out of ashlar. The doorway of the temple is lavishly decorated with sculptures carved in relief. A Rudra Shiva statue excavated from the temple is placed in situ, and various parts of its body are represented by animal figures as well as human heads.

The Jethani temple is in ruins, and its plan can be ascertained by fragments strewn across the temple site. The temples are an importance example of the architecture of the Dakshina Kosala region.

History

Due to the lack of a foundation inscription or other epigraphical evidence regarding its construction, the dating of the temple complex is based upon the architectural style. Donald Stadtner dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE. Others have dated both temples to the late 6th century, during the reign of the Sharabhapuriya dynasty. Hans Bakker argues that the Jethani temple was built at an earlier date than the Devrani temple, ascertained due to the fact that the Jethani temple has a somewhat unconventional and experimental structure, and may have collapsed under its own weight.

The temples were excavated in the 20th century by the Archaeological Survey of India. In the course of the excavations, the scattered fragments of the Jethani temple were studied, and some were placed in the Bilaspur museum. In 1988, the massive Rudra Shiva sculpture was unearthed from beneath the Devrani temple, which is now placed in situ.

Description

Entrance of the Devrani temple

Devrani Temple

The Devrani temple is fairly well-preserved, apart from the fact that its shikhara (temple tower) is lost. It 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. These are shallow and narrow, and it does not seem likely that any sculptures occupied the niches. The positions of these niches on the northern and southern wall correspond with the centers of the sanctum and the antechamber. Such niches are an element of early Dravidian temple architecture, seen in temples such as the Badami Shivalaya.

The entrance to the pavilion is flanked by two monolithic pillars.

Doorway

The elaborately carved doorway

The doorway is elaborately decorated. The outer side of the doorframe is composed of six sakhas (bands). The first three inner bands display leaf motifs, foliate scrolls interwoven with birds, and a twisted twisted garland respectively. The fourth is a narrow band, displaying leaf motifs. The fifth is a jamb in the form of a pillar, with a pot-shaped base and kirtimukha figures at the top. The outermost band is broad, again displaying leaf motifs.

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. 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 sections. The upper section features an image of Gajalakshmi at the center, flanked by two elephants and vidyadhara couples. In the lower section, the Kankala incarnation of Shiva is depicted in the center, with attendants on either side. Elephant and lion busts, along with other gods, also occupy this section. On the underside of the lintel are three circular medallions. The central medallion contains fifteen squatting figures, each with its right hand placed upon the head of the figure in front.

Rudra Shiva Statue

Main article: Rudra Shiva (statue)
The statue of Rudra Shiva excavated from the Devrani temple

A statue was found buried here in 1988, identified as Rudra Shiva. It weights 5 tons and has a height of 8 feet. Various parts of the figure's body are represented by animals as well as human heads. A lizard forms its nose while the hind legs of the lizard form the eyebrows. The eyes are shaped like frogs and peacocks constitute the ears of the figure. The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab. The shoulders are shaped like makara crocodiles, while the knees are made out of lion-heads. Human heads are found on the chest, torso, and thighs of the figure.

Jethani Temple

Ruins of the Jethani temple

The Jethani Temple is in ruins, and its plan is ascertained from the remains of pillars and sculpture scattered across the site. It had three entrances, with the main entrance facing south, accessible by a flight of steps. The other two entrances faced east and west.

Among the ruins, several Shaivite sculptures are found, including those of Kartikeya, Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, and Nandi. The prolific Shaivite imagery indicates that this temple was also dedicated to Shiva. The ruins also contain makara and gana figures, which had been used to support pillars. Some of these fragments are housed in the Bilaspur Museum.

Three large stone amalakas are also among the ruins. If these were used in the temple superstructure, it would indicate that the Jithani temple is built in a more conventional north Indian architectural style, as opposed to the Devarani temple, which displays south Indian influences.

References

  1. Chakravarty, Kalyan (1992). "The Temples at Tala and the Art of Daksina Kosala".
  2. Stadtner 1980, pp. 38, 47.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. Williams, Joanna Gottfried (1983). The Art of Gupta India. New Delhi: Heritage. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-691-03988-6.
  5. Bakker 1994, p. 258.
  6. Stadtner 1980, p. 38-40.
  7. ^ Deva 1988, p. 229.
  8. Stadtner 1980, p. 39.
  9. ^ Stadtner 1980, p. 42-43.
  10. Stadtner 1980, p. 44-46.
  11. Majumdar, Susmita Basu (2003). "Tracing the Religio-Specific Traits in the Saiva Sculptures of South Kosala". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 64: 277–285. ISSN 2249-1937. JSTOR 44145470.
  12. ^ Bakker 1994, p. 260-263.
  13. Stadtner 1980, p. 47.

Bibliography

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