Draft:Dhavalesvara Temple

Dhavalesvara Temple

The Dhavalesvara Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Mohangiri, a small village in the Madanpur Rampur Panchayat Samiti area of Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. Situated near the border of Kandhamal district, approximately 85 kilometers northeast of Bhawanipatna, the temple complex represents significant architectural and archaeological importance dating back to the 7th-8th century CE.

History

The temple was discovered around 1940 when an assistant sub-inspector of police, guided by a dream, excavated a hillock with local villagers' help. The excavation revealed the ruins of a collapsed Shiva temple, including eleven pillars of the Jagamohana (assembly hall) still standing, and a large Shiva Linga made of black chlorite stone.

The present structure is a modern reconstruction utilizing stone blocks from the collapsed ancient temple. The original temple is believed to have been of the tri-ratha order, with evidence suggesting the existence of multiple temples at the site.

Archaeological Significance

Inscriptions and Tantric Elements

The temple's Jagamohana hall features one short inscription reading "Gruha Bhairava" and another inscription discovered by Dr. Satya Narayan Rajaguru in 1948 reading "Mudgalakulasya (Sri) Citracanda." The latter inscription is considered one of the oldest from the Mudgala kings' period (6th-7th century CE). Additionally, four tantric Yantra diagrams are carved on the Jagamohana floor, associated with the Bhairava cult.

Architecture and Sculptures

Notable architectural features include:

• Eight pillars and four pilasters with their original beams
• Distinctive column design featuring plain square bases and decorated upper portions
• Elaborate stone carvings including:
  • Ravana attempting to shake Mount Kailasa
  • Seated Ganesha
  • Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) scene
  • Forest-wandering scene of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita
  • Various sculptural depictions of divine figures

Parsva-devata (Side Deities)

The temple houses three significant parsva-devata:

1. Two-armed Ganesha (southern niche)
2. Two-armed Kartikeya seated on a peacock (western niche)
3. Parvati-Kartikeya mother-son sculpture (northern niche)

Historical Context

The temple's location on an ancient salt route between Kalinga and Daksina Kosala suggests it served both religious and commercial purposes. Archaeological evidence indicates the temple was built during the reign of the Parvatadvāraka dynasty, known for their devotion to goddess Stambhesvari.

The presence of Vana Durga and Ksemankari worship, along with Bhairava cult elements, dates the temple to approximately the 7th-8th century CE. The temple's architectural style and minimal ornamentation also support this dating.

Present Condition

Many original temple components are scattered throughout the site, including:

• Large stone blocks with decorative carvings
• Round amalakas and square bhumi amalakas
• Carved pillars featuring intricate designs
• Various sculptural pieces

Some artifacts from the temple are now preserved in the M. Rampur College Building and M. Rampur Upper Primary School.

Conservation

The site requires further archaeological research and conservation efforts. Recent discoveries, including carved pillars with unique motifs and sculptures, continue to provide insights into the temple's historical and artistic significance.

References

1. Panda, Sasanka Sekhar. "Dhavalesvara Siva Temple at Mohangiri, Kalahandi District." Odisha Review, September 2012.