Pārvatī Devī Temple
The Pārvatī Devī Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to the god Śiva, despite its name referencing the goddess Pārvatī. This double-storied structure is elevated on a high plinth and features essential architectural elements such as a garbha gṛha (cella), a walled corridor for ritual circumambulation, and a maṇḍapa (porch). A notable aspect of the temple is its richly decorated T-shaped doorway, characteristic of Gupta Dynasty architecture, adorned with intricate floral designs and lively sculptures. These sculptures depict various figures, including guardians, celestial beings, river goddesses Gaṅgā and Yamunā, and representations of Śiva, Pārvatī, and worshipers, all showcasing the exquisite artistry of this classic phase of Indian art.
The temple's design and ornamentation reflect its connection to nature and the divine, likely representing Śiva's mythical abode, Mount Kailāsa. Though the inner cella is currently empty, it historically housed an icon of Śiva in his lingam form. The temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the period, inviting exploration into its historical and spiritual significance.
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Pārvatī Devī Temple
Related civilizations: Gupta Dynasty, north India.
Date: late fifth-early sixth centuries c.e.
Locale: Nachna Kuthara, Bundelkhand, India
Pārvatī Devī Temple
The temple, although popularly named after the goddess Pārvatī Devī (PAWR-rah-tee DEH-vee), actually was dedicated to the Hindu god Śiva. A double-storied structure resting on a high plinth, the temple consists of a garbha gṛha (cella), a walled and roofed corridor for ritual circumambulation (pradakhṣiṇāpatha), and a maṇḍapa (porch). In addition, there was a second-story room above the cella, the purpose of which is not known. Both the inner corridor and the cella were lit by richly decorated stone grill windows. The temple is noted particularly for its splendidly embellished T-shaped doorway, a characteristic of the architecture of the Gupta Dynasty. It features lush floral ornamentation in which spiraling vines sprout leaves and tendrils that turn back on themselves, as well as graceful three-dimensional figural sculpture. Elegantly carved representations of guardians, flying celestial figures, the river goddesses Gaṅgā and Yamunā, yakṣīs (female nature spirits), loving couples (mithunas), and representations of the god Śiva and his wife, the Goddess Pārvatī, and adoring worshipers are clad in the courtly clothing, ornaments, and festoons of ringlets typical of Gupta fashion. The lively and sensuous sculptures are representative of the classic phase of Indian art, a period in which there is perfection and purity of form. Although the cella is empty now, it once held an icon of Śiva, probably in his lingam (phallic) form. The ornamentation on the plinth, consisting of rocky landscapes inhabited by wild animals, suggests that the overall temple was conceived of as Śiva’s Himalayan abode, Mount Kailāsa.
Bibliography
Mishra, Sudhakar Nath. Gupta Art and Architecture. Delhi, India: Agam Rala Prakashan, 1992.
Williams, Joanna Gottfried. The Art of Gupta India: Empire and Province. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1982.