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
- Introduction
- Main features of ancient stone temples
- The vimāna or the shrine
- The antrāla or vestibule
- The mandapa or the assembly hall
- BABOUR GROUP OF TEMPLE, JAMMU
- ANAND BABOUR SHRINE
- DEVI BHAGAWATI TEMPLE
- BABOUR TEMPLE OR SHIVDIVĀLĀ
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to investigate the temple architecture and iconography of the Babour and Panjnara temples in the Jammu region. It focuses on analyzing the architectural styles, construction materials, and decorative elements of these temples, placing them within a broader historical and artistic context.
- Architectural styles of ancient and medieval temples in the Jammu region.
- Iconography and religious significance of the sculptures and carvings found in the temples.
- Historical context of the Babour temple group and its significance.
- Comparison of different temple structures within the Babour complex.
- Evolution of temple design and construction techniques over time.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section provides a general overview of temple architecture in the Jammu region, distinguishing between ancient and more recent structures. It notes variations in size and complexity, highlighting the presence of single-cella temples and those with mandapas (assembly halls). The introduction also categorizes early medieval temples into two types based on their construction and ornamentation, laying the groundwork for the detailed analyses of specific temples in later sections.
Main features of ancient stone temples: This chapter delves into the structural components of ancient stone temples in the region. It details the typical features of a vimāna (shrine), antrāla (vestibule), and mandapa (assembly hall). The description emphasizes the evolution of these structures over time, noting additions such as covered ambulatories (pradakṣiṇā). The chapter highlights the transition in architectural styles and the use of materials, providing a framework for understanding the intricacies of the Babour temples.
BABOUR GROUP OF TEMPLE, JAMMU: This chapter focuses on the Babour group of six ancient stone temples, located near Jammu. It details their historical context, suggesting a possible connection to the ancient capital of the Duggar kingdom. The largest temple in the group, a double-structure with a pillared mandapa, is described in detail, emphasizing its ornate doorway and the unique elephant-headed capitals of its columns. The chapter also introduces the concept of the group's significance as revealed in 1991.
ANAND BABOUR SHRINE: This chapter discusses the ruined Anand Babour temple, noting its rectangular plinth and three chambers with separate vestibules. Despite its dilapidated state, the chapter describes the surviving ornamentation, including human and animal figures and floral reliefs. It mentions the temple's dedication to Lord Shiva and the preservation of a dancing Shiva sculpture elsewhere.
DEVI BHAGAWATI TEMPLE: This section analyzes the Devi Bhagawati temple at Babour, dating it to between 850 and 1050 A.D. It describes the temple's single-chamber sanctuary and mandapa, highlighting the carved exterior walls and the figures depicted, including the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. The chapter also details the sculptures found in the temple courtyard and the inner sanctum, such as Kali, Durga, and various incarnations of Śakti and Śiva. It concludes by noting the temple’s current status under archaeological control.
BABOUR TEMPLE OR SHIVDIVĀLĀ: The final chapter summarizes the Babour temple known as Šivadivālā, considered by R.C. Kak to be later in date than other structures at Babour. It describes the remaining garbhagriha and antarāla, noting the stepped pyramid-shaped śikhara and its reconstructed superstructure. The chapter points out the possible construction over an older shrine, highlighting the differences in style between older and newer elements. The description concludes with mention of the prominent Shiva-Pārvatī group sculpture and other notable figures within the temple.
Keywords
Temple architecture, Jammu region, iconography, Babour temples, Śikhara style, ancient Indian temples, stone carvings, religious sculptures, historical context, architectural design, Hindu deities.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Temple Architecture in the Jammu Region
What is the focus of this text?
This text comprehensively examines the architecture and iconography of the Babour and Panjnara temples in the Jammu region. It analyzes architectural styles, construction materials, decorative elements, and places these temples within a broader historical and artistic context.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the architectural styles of ancient and medieval temples in Jammu, the iconography and religious significance of temple sculptures and carvings, the historical context of the Babour temple group, a comparison of different temple structures within the Babour complex, and the evolution of temple design and construction techniques over time.
What specific temples are discussed in detail?
The study focuses on the Babour group of temples, including the Anand Babour shrine, the Devi Bhagawati temple, and the Babour temple (Shivadivālā). Each temple's architectural features, sculptures, and historical significance are analyzed individually.
What are the main architectural features of ancient stone temples in the Jammu region discussed in the text?
The text details the typical components of ancient stone temples: the vimāna (shrine), antrāla (vestibule), and mandapa (assembly hall). It also discusses the evolution of these structures over time, including additions like covered ambulatories (pradakṣiṇā).
What is the historical context of the Babour group of temples?
The Babour group of six ancient stone temples near Jammu is discussed, suggesting a possible connection to the ancient capital of the Duggar kingdom. The text highlights the significance of the group, particularly its largest temple, a double-structure with a pillared mandapa, and its unique features.
What is the significance of the Anand Babour Shrine and the Devi Bhagawati Temple?
The Anand Babour temple, though ruined, reveals surviving ornamentation including human and animal figures and floral reliefs. The Devi Bhagawati temple, dated between 850 and 1050 A.D., is analyzed for its single-chamber sanctuary, mandapa, carved exterior walls, and the figures depicted (including Ganga, Yamuna, Kali, Durga, and various incarnations of Śakti and Śiva).
What are the key features of the Babour Temple (Shivadivālā)?
The Babour temple, known as Šivadivālā, is described, noting its remaining garbhagriha and antarāla, the stepped pyramid-shaped śikhara, and possible construction over an older shrine. The prominent Shiva-Pārvatī group sculpture and other notable figures are highlighted.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide detailed overviews of each section, highlighting key findings and interpretations related to the architectural styles, iconography, and historical context of the temples. They emphasize the evolution of temple design and construction in the Jammu region.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include Temple architecture, Jammu region, iconography, Babour temples, Śikhara style, ancient Indian temples, stone carvings, religious sculptures, historical context, architectural design, and Hindu deities.
What is the overall objective of this text?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the temple architecture and iconography of the Babour and Panjnara temples in the Jammu region, offering a detailed analysis within a broader historical and artistic context. It seeks to illuminate the evolution of temple design and construction techniques over time.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Arjun Singh (Auteur), 2014, Temple Architecture and Iconography of Babour and Panjnara temples in Jammu Region, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284488
