Subarna Jaleswara and Sampoorna Jaleswara Temples - Bhubaneswar
Site Name: Subarna Jaleswara and Sampoorna Jaleswara Temple
Bhubaneswar is not only about the gigantic Lingaraja temple or the architectural marvels such as Raja Rani temple or Parasurameshwar temple. The city has a lot more to offer for any enthusiastic and art loving traveler or devotee. The city, which is the capital city of Odisha (formerly Orissa) state of India, is called as 'the City of Temples'. It once had around 3000 temples and even today hundreds of temples are located in every nook and corner of this heritage rich city. The city is called as Ekamara Kshetra as it has so many Shiva temples. Let us explore two unknown ancient Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar in this article.
Location:
Subarna Jaleswara and Sampoorna Jaleswara temples are located on the left side of Kotitirtheswar lane leading from Parasuramesvar temple to Bindu Sagar.
Introduction:
The temple complex has two temples. Subarna Jaleswara temple is the first temple once you enter into the complex. Sampoorna Jaleswara temple is located slightly on the backside of the first temple.
Subarna Jaleswara:
Subarna Jaleswara temple is a living temple enshrining Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum. It got this name due to gold smiths who used to live in this area (Subarna means gold).
The east facing temple was built in the 10th century CE by the Somavamshi Kings.
The temple is pancha ratha on plan and pancha anga bada in elevation. The vimana is of rekha type and there is no Jagmohana.
The outer wall is decorated with pilaster design on the bada portion and series of miniature anga sikharas of rekha order on the base part of gandi. The niches are empty without any sculptures.
Above the entrance doors, the Navagraha panel is carved. It is similar to other temples of Bhubaneswar. However, the Navagrahas are flanked by two Ganas which is different.
Another unique feature of the temple is that two Dwara palas relief images at the entrance are found along with two river Goddesses. They are Yamuna and probably Ganga. Ganga is found along with a female attendant and her mount which is not clearly visible. Yamuna is found along with her mount tortoise. These niche images are identified as later additions.
Facing the main deity outside the sanctum, the stone idol of Nandi is placed. An idol of Goddess Dharini (a formless stone idol with just two eyes), obviously a very recent addition used for the purpose of worship by the local people, is also found in front of the temple. A big Shiva Linga is also found near Dharini.
Sampoorna Jaleswara:
Sampoorna Jaleswara temple is more beautiful than the first temple. It is not a living temple and has no Shiva Linga idol.
This temple was also built by the Somavamshi Kings in the 10th century CE.
The sanctum sanctorum has rekha order vimana and no Jagmohana. The outer wall is intricately decorated with a lot of design works, scroll works, motifs, lions, Nagas, Naga stambhas, dancing girls, Ganas, etc.
Above the entrance, Surya's face and above that Lord Shiva holding bow and arrow are carved.
When you get a chance to go to Bhubaneswar, do not get satisfied by visiting the popular temples alone. Visit such little known temples also and respect our heritage.
Happy travelling.
Site Type: Hindu ancient temples
Location: Near Parasuramesvar Temple, Bhubaneswar city, Odisha state, India
Highlights: 10th century CE temples built by Somavamshi Kings
Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar
How to reach: Well connected by road, rail and air
Hotel: There are many options across the city
Restaurants: Varieties of optionsBhubaneswar is not only about the gigantic Lingaraja temple or the architectural marvels such as Raja Rani temple or Parasurameshwar temple. The city has a lot more to offer for any enthusiastic and art loving traveler or devotee. The city, which is the capital city of Odisha (formerly Orissa) state of India, is called as 'the City of Temples'. It once had around 3000 temples and even today hundreds of temples are located in every nook and corner of this heritage rich city. The city is called as Ekamara Kshetra as it has so many Shiva temples. Let us explore two unknown ancient Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar in this article.
Location:
Subarna Jaleswara and Sampoorna Jaleswara temples are located on the left side of Kotitirtheswar lane leading from Parasuramesvar temple to Bindu Sagar.
Introduction:
The temple complex has two temples. Subarna Jaleswara temple is the first temple once you enter into the complex. Sampoorna Jaleswara temple is located slightly on the backside of the first temple.
Subarna Jaleswara:
Subarna Jaleswara temple is a living temple enshrining Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum. It got this name due to gold smiths who used to live in this area (Subarna means gold).
The temple is pancha ratha on plan and pancha anga bada in elevation. The vimana is of rekha type and there is no Jagmohana.
The outer wall is decorated with pilaster design on the bada portion and series of miniature anga sikharas of rekha order on the base part of gandi. The niches are empty without any sculptures.
Above the entrance doors, the Navagraha panel is carved. It is similar to other temples of Bhubaneswar. However, the Navagrahas are flanked by two Ganas which is different.
Another unique feature of the temple is that two Dwara palas relief images at the entrance are found along with two river Goddesses. They are Yamuna and probably Ganga. Ganga is found along with a female attendant and her mount which is not clearly visible. Yamuna is found along with her mount tortoise. These niche images are identified as later additions.
Sampoorna Jaleswara:
Sampoorna Jaleswara temple is more beautiful than the first temple. It is not a living temple and has no Shiva Linga idol.
This temple was also built by the Somavamshi Kings in the 10th century CE.
The sanctum sanctorum has rekha order vimana and no Jagmohana. The outer wall is intricately decorated with a lot of design works, scroll works, motifs, lions, Nagas, Naga stambhas, dancing girls, Ganas, etc.
Above the entrance, Surya's face and above that Lord Shiva holding bow and arrow are carved.
When you get a chance to go to Bhubaneswar, do not get satisfied by visiting the popular temples alone. Visit such little known temples also and respect our heritage.
Happy travelling.
.JPG)
Comments
Post a Comment