In Jammu region śikhara temples both of ancient and recent origin are very common. These vary in regard to as they possess only the sanctuary or more parts of a typical śikhara temple. Some of the temple consist of a single cella in which the idol is housed and have an enter room or maṇdapa. The ancient temples, however, are entered through an ornamented porch usually supported by two pillars. The early medieval temples in Jammu region are two types.
Firstly, ṭṛiratha embellished by a variety of carvings and architectural designs as in the case of temples at Krimachi and most probably the Devi shrine at Babour.
The second type to be seen in all other temples at Babour, which are not ṭṛiratha in construction but are equally decorated with carved embellishments and architectural design.
The temple of recent origin do not possess such outer formalities except that they have large curvilinear śikharas with a small melon-type amalaka or simply a bhumi in some cases on the highest narrow point to serve as base for a metallic kalaśa, set of three ghātās diminishing upwards, topped by a lotus bud pointed upwards. The lower portion or janghā is invariably a rectangular construction, all constructed out of bricks, leaving no scope for carved embellishment, but only for architectural designs, embellishing niches, projections like eves, bandhanas, ardha- śikharas and the like.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Main features of ancient stone temples
2.1 The vimāna or the shrine
2.2 The antrāla or vestibule
2.3 The maṇdapa or the assembly hall
3. BABOUR GROUP OF TEMPLE, JAMMU
3.1 ANAND BABOUR SHRINE
3.2 DEVI BHAGAWATI TEMPLE
3.3 BABOUR TEMPLE OR ŚHIVDIVĀLĀ
3.4 KĀLĀDHERĀ TEMPLE
3.5 ŢŔIRATANA-TYPE TEMPLE
4. TEMPLE AT PANJNARA
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore, document, and analyze the architectural characteristics and iconographic significance of the ancient temple complexes located in the Babour and Panjnara regions of Jammu. The research aims to categorize the structural styles of these historical sites while contextualizing them within the historical development of temple construction in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
- Architectural classification of ancient sikhara temples in the Jammu region.
- Detailed structural analysis of the Babour temple group, including individual shrines like Devi Bhagawati and Anand Babour.
- Examination of the temple at Panjnara and its unique stylistic features compared to broader regional trends.
- Historical context regarding the impact of regional invasions and the influence of the Lohara dynasty on architectural development.
Excerpt from the Book
DEVI BHAGAWATI TEMPLE
From architecture point of view, the temple of Devi Bhagawati in the temple complex at Babour can be placed between 850 and 1050 A.D.9 The shrine is a highly oriented structure built in stone. It comprises of a single chamber sanctuary with a maṇdapa in front. An entrance in its west wall enters the maṇdapa. The latter has flights of steps both inside and outside. The roof of the maṇdapa is supported on four round fluted columns, which stand on a plain base.
The temple walls were richly carved on the outside with divine figures and sacred motifs. These sculptured reliefs unfortunately are much mutilated. In the left jamb of the doorway is a figure of the river Goddess Ganga standing on crocodile. On opposite panel is another figure, completely obliterated and must have been of Yamuna. The lintel bore the navagṛaha in relief.
The temple courtyard is tormented with dressed and carved stones fallen from the temples. Two of these, almost as big as the one, which the figures of Gaṇga, bear images of Ganeśha and Bairava10. Figures of Vishnu, Lakshmi and Annapurna have also been discovered.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Provides an overview of the prevalence and architectural types of sikhara temples in the Jammu region, distinguishing between ancient and modern construction methods.
Main features of ancient stone temples: Defines the core structural components of traditional temples, specifically the vimāna, antrāla, and maṇdapa, highlighting their symbolic and functional roles.
BABOUR GROUP OF TEMPLE, JAMMU: Examines the historical significance and architectural layout of the six stone temples located in Babour, historically identified as a capital of the Duggar region.
TEMPLE AT PANJNARA: Details the remains of the Pāndu-Kund temple, noting its unique peristyle structure and historical connection to the Punch-Rajouri tract and the Kingdom of Kashmir.
Keywords
Temple Architecture, Iconography, Jammu, Babour, Panjnara, Sikhara, Vimana, Mandapa, Antrala, Garbhagriha, Archaeology, Stone Carving, Medieval India, Cultural Heritage, Duggar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research?
The research focuses on the architectural features and historical significance of the ancient stone temple groups found in Babour and Panjnara within the Jammu region.
What are the central themes of this work?
The central themes include the structural design (sikhara style), the evolution of temple components like the shrine and assembly halls, and the preservation of iconographic sculptures.
What is the main goal of the paper?
The goal is to analyze and document these specific temple ruins, providing a clear classification of their design and historical context within the early medieval period.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author employs archaeological observation and art-historical analysis, referencing stylistic traits and historical texts like the Rajatarangini to date and describe the structures.
What aspects of temple architecture are covered in the main section?
The main section details structural design elements such as the plinth (jagati), the sanctum (garbhagriha), column styles, and the specific iconography found on temple walls.
Which terms characterize this study?
Key characterizations include "sikhara style," "stone construction," "early medieval architecture," and regional historical identification through local shrines.
How is the Babour temple group unique compared to other regional sites?
It is unique due to the concentration of multiple temples on a plateau, which served as a capital of the Duggar region, showcasing a distinct evolution in stone carving and architectural layout.
What is the significance of the Panjnara temple's "peristyle" structure?
The peristyle, consisting of 53 cells with trefoil arches, aligns the site with architectural traditions that rival the well-preserved temples of the Kashmir valley, indicating strong cultural links.
What does the author conclude about the construction materials used at Babour?
The author observes that the builders used locally available sandstone, which was relatively soft and required careful chiseling, and notably, the construction was performed without the use of mortar.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Arjun Singh (Autor), 2014, Temple Architecture and Iconography of Babour and Panjnara temples in Jammu Region, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284488
