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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Archaeological site in Tala, Chhattisgarh}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}<br />
{{Infobox religious building<br />
| name = Devrani Jethani Temple Complex<br />
| religious_affiliation = [[Hinduism]]<br />
| image = {{multiple image<br />
| border = infobox<br />
| total_width = 270<br />
| image_style = <br />
| perrow = 1/2/3/2/1/1<br />
| image1 = 0010822 6th century Tala Devrani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh 118.jpg<br />
|200px|<br />
| caption1 = [[#Devrani Temple|Devrani Temple]] <br />
| image3 = 0010822 6th century Tala Jethani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh 009.jpg|200px|<br />
| caption3 = Ruins of [[#Jethani Temple|Jethani Temple]]}}<br />
| caption =<br />
| location = [[Tala, Chhattisgarh|Tala]], [[Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur district]]<br />
| country = India<br />
| coordinates = {{coord|21.9072|N|82.0259|E|}}<br />
| sect = [[Shaivism]]<br />
| state = [[Chhattisgarh]]<br />
| deity = [[Rudra Shiva (statue)|Rudra Shiva]]<br />
| architect = <br />
| completed = 525–550 CE<br />
| map_type = <br />
| map_size = <br />
| map_caption = <br />
| architecture_type = Ruined Hindu temple<br />
| website = <br />
}}<br />
The '''Devrani Jethani Temple Complex''' is a complex of two ruined temples located in [[Tala, Chhattisgarh|Tala, India]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakravarty |first=Kalyan |year=1992 |title=The Temples at Tala and the Art of Daksina Kosala |url=https://openpublishing.psu.edu/ahd/content/temples-tala-and-art-daksina-kosala |access-date= |website= |language=en}}</ref> The Devrani temple is in a state of good preservation. Consisting of a shrine, antechamber, and pavilion, it is built out of [[ashlar]]. The doorway of the temple is lavishly decorated with sculptures carved in [[relief]]. A [[Rudra Shiva (statue)|Rudra Shiva]] statue excavated from the temple is placed [[in situ]], and various parts of its body are represented by animal figures as well as human heads. The Jethani temple is in ruins, and its plan can be ascertained by fragments strewn across the temple site. The temples are an important example of the architecture of the [[Dakshina Kosala]] region.<br />
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== History ==<br />
Due to the lack of a foundation inscription or other epigraphical evidence regarding its construction, the dating of the temple complex is based upon the architectural style. Historian of Indian art [[Donald Stadtner]] dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE.{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|pp=38, 47}} Others have dated both temples to the late 6th century, during the reign of the [[Sharabhapuriya dynasty|Sharabhapuriya]] dynasty.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Joanna Gottfried |title=The Art of Gupta India |date=1983 |publisher=Heritage |isbn=978-0-691-03988-6 |location=New Delhi |pages=128}}</ref> Indologist [[Hans Bakker]] argues that the Jethani temple was built at an earlier date than the Devrani temple, ascertained due to the fact that the Jethani temple has a somewhat unconventional and experimental structure and may have collapsed under its own weight. This view is also supported by the fact that the [[Relief|reliefs]] on the entrance of the Devrani temple are more refined.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=134}}{{sfn|Bakker|1994|p=258}}<br />
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The temples were excavated in the 20th century by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. In the course of the excavations, the scattered fragments of the Jethani temple were studied, and some were placed in the Bilaspur museum. In 1988, the massive Rudra Shiva sculpture was unearthed from beneath the Devrani temple, which is now placed [[in situ]].<ref name=":0" /><br />
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The complex of two ruined temples located, dating to the 6th century CE, was excavated by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] in 1977–1978, and again in 1984, after it was declared a [[Monuments of National Importance (India)|protected monument]].{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=116-117, 122}} <br />
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A third phase of excavation was conducted in 1987–1988, under the supervision of K. K. Chakravarty. It was focused around the southeast of the [[Devrani Jethani Temple Complex#Devrani Temple|Devrani Temple]], near its entrance, and the Rudra Shiva was unearthed here on 17 January 1988. The statue was found buried, with its ventral side down, and dorsal side facing up.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=116-117, 122}}{{Sfn|Nigam|2000|p=61}} Based on the lack of damage to the statue, it is posited that it was deliberately buried, rather than having fallen down accidentally.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=125}} {{As of|2018}}, the statue is displayed [[in situ]], and a shed has been built around it for protection.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=125}}<br />
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==Description==<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Devrani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh431.jpg|thumb|Entrance of the Devrani temple]]<br />
===Devrani Temple===<br />
The Devrani temple is fairly well-preserved, apart from the fact that its ''[[shikhara]]'' (temple tower) is lost. It is aligned along an east–west axis, with its entrance facing east and the rear facing the Maniari river to the west. The entrance is accessible by a flight of steps. The temple measures {{convert|75|by|32|ft|m|order=flip}} and is constructed from [[ashlar]].{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=38-40}} <br />
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It consists of a ''[[garbhagriha]]'' (sanctum), ''[[antarala]]'' (antechamber), and a small ''mukhamandapa'' (pavilion). The sanctum is slightly larger than the antechamber. On each exterior wall of the temple, there are two vertical niches rising up to the roof. These are shallow and narrow, and it does not seem likely that any sculptures occupied the niches. The positions of these niches on the northern and southern wall correspond with the centers of the sanctum and the antechamber. Such niches are an element of early [[Dravidian architecture|Dravidian]] temple architecture, seen in temples such as the [[Badami Shivalaya]].{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=39}} The entrance to the pavilion is flanked by two monolithic pillars.{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}<br />
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==== Doorway ====<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Devrani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh510.jpg|thumb|The elaborately carved doorway]]<br />
The doorway is elaborately decorated. The outer side of the doorframe is composed of six ''sakhas'' (bands). The first three inner bands display leaf motifs, foliate scrolls interwoven with birds, and a twisted twisted garland respectively. The fourth is a narrow band, displaying leaf motifs. The fifth is a jamb in the form of a pillar, with a [[Ghatam|pot]]-shaped base and ''[[kirtimukha]]'' figures at the top. The outermost band is broad, again displaying leaf motifs.{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=42-43}}<br />
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The base of the doorjamb contains two large standing female figures, along with attendants. The figures are mutilated; However, they likely depict the river goddesses [[Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]] and [[Yamuna in Hinduism|Yamuna]]. The inner faces of the doorjamb contain reliefs, with each face being divided into four unequal panels. On the northern doorjamb, Shaivite imagery is depicted, including a depiction of [[Uma–Maheshvara|Uma Maheshwara]]. On the southern doorjamb, [[Kubera]] is seen with a ''[[lingam]]'' above his head, along with six attendants. This is followed by [[kirtimukha]]s and [[Maithuna|mithunas]].{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=176}}{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=42-43}}<br />
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The lintel is divided into two horizontal sections. The upper section features an image of [[Gajalakshmi]] at the center, flanked by two elephants and [[vidyadhara]] couples. In the lower section, the [[Kankalamurti|Kankala]] incarnation of Shiva is depicted in the center, with attendants on either side. Elephant and lion busts, along with other gods, also occupy this section. On the underside of the lintel are three circular medallions. The central medallion contains fifteen squatting figures, each with its right hand placed upon the head of the figure in front.{{Sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=44-46}}{{Sfn|Deva|1988|p=229}}<br />
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==== Rudra Shiva Statue ====<br />
{{Infobox artifact<br />
| name = Tala Rudra Shiva Statue<br />
| height = 2.7 meters<br />
| weight = About 5 tonnes<br />
| location = [[Devrani Jethani Temple Complex]], [[Tala, Chhattisgarh|Tala]], [[India]]<br />
| image = 0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 136.jpg<br />
| discovered_date = 17 January 1988<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Stamp of India - 2019 - Colnect 909071 - Rudra Shiv Temple Statue Tala.jpeg|thumb|The statue, depicted on a 2009 stamp of India.]]<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 009.jpg|thumb|The statue of Rudra Shiva excavated from the Devrani temple]]<br />
A statue was found buried there in 1988, identified as [[Rudra]] '''Shiva'''. It weighs {{convert|5|LT|lb kg}} and has a height of {{convert|8|ft|m}}. Various parts of the figure's body are represented by animals and human heads.<ref name=":1" /> A lizard forms its nose while the hind legs of the lizard form the eyebrows.<ref name=":1" /> The eyes are shaped like frogs and peacocks constitute the ears of the figure.<ref name=":1" /> The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab.<ref name=":1" /> The shoulders are shaped like ''[[makara]]'' crocodiles, while the knees are made out of lion-heads. Human heads are found on the chest, torso, and thighs of the figure.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Majumdar |first=Susmita Basu |date=2003 |title=Tracing the Religio-Specific Traits in the Saiva Sculptures of South Kosala |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44145470 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=64 |pages=279 |issn=2249-1937 |jstor=44145470}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Riddle of Indian iconography: zetetic on rare icon from Tālā |date=2000a |publisher=Sharada Pub. House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S. |location=Delhi}}</ref><br />
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The statue is about 2.7 meters tall, and weighs about 5 tonnes. Various parts of the figure's body are represented as animals, and some are in the form of human faces. The identity of this figure is a matter of contention among historians. It is popularly identified as [[Shiva]] in his [[Rudra]] form. However, some scholars have also posited that it might depict [[Pashupati]], or that it might have functioned as a ''[[dvarapala]]'' (door guardian statue).<br />
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===== Description =====<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 019.jpg|thumb|The face of the statue. Various parts are in the form of animals; These include the eyes (frogs), nose (lizard), lips (fish), ears (peacocks), and chin (crab).]]<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 040.jpg|thumb|Seven human heads located on the statue, with two found on the chest, a large head constituting the abdomen, and a pair of heads on each of the thighs. The erect penis in the form of a tortoise is also seen.]]<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 054.jpg|thumb|Lion-heads constitute the knees of the figure.]]<br />
The statue is about 2.7 meters tall, and weighs about 5 tonnes.{{Sfn|Nigam|2000|p=61}} It is a two-armed figure, and stands in the ''samapada'' position, i. e. with its feet together. Various parts of its body are made out of animal figures, human heads, and lion heads.<ref name=":1"/> The figure is wearing a ''jata'' turban, which is composed of two snakes. A lizard forms its nose, while the hind legs of the lizard form the eyebrows. The eyes are shaped like frogs, and peacocks constitute the ears. The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab. The shoulders are in the form of ''[[makara]]'' crocodiles.<ref name=":1"/> Its hands are resting upon its waistband, which is in the form of a snake. Its fingers are also in the form of a snake, and a snake twists around the left leg of the figure.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=125}}{{Sfn|Nigam|2000|p=61-62}}<br />
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Seven human heads are found throughout its body. These include two heads which form the chest, and a large head which forms the abdomen. These are male heads, and their faces are mustached. Each thigh contains a pair of female heads, one facing the front and the other facing the side. The front-facing heads have smiling faces, and folded hands emerging from them (in the ''[[Añjali Mudrā|anjali]]'' posture).<ref name=":1"/>{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=123}}<br />
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The figure has an erect penis, composed of the head and neck of a tortoise, while its forelimbs constitute the testicles. Lion-heads constitute each knee.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=123}} The figure's legs are shaped like elephant legs.{{Sfn|Nigam|2000|p=62}} <br />
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===== Analysis =====<br />
The statue is popularly considered to depict [[Shiva]] in his [[Rudra]] form. While the ithyphallic nature of the statue points to this conclusion, it does not contain any of the other characteristic features of Shiva.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=123}}{{Sfn|Srinivasan|2000|p=90}} The prolific use of animal imagery leads some scholars to the conclusion that it depicts [[Pashupati]], which is the form of Shiva worshipped as the "lord of animals". However, this does not explain the human heads which are also found on the statue. [[Hans T. Bakker|Hans Bakker]] notes the similarities between ''[[Gana|ganas]]'' (attendants of Shiva) and this sculpture, and identifies it as a ''gana''.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=125}} Other interpretations identify it as a ''[[Yaksha]]''.<br />
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If the spot where it was excavated (by the doorway of the Devrani temple) was where the figure originally stood, it might have functioned as a ''[[dvarapala]]'', or "door guardian" statue.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=125}}<br />
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=== Jethani Temple ===<br />
[[File:0010822 6th century Tala Jethani Mandir Shed Chattisgarh 052.jpg|thumb|Ruins of the Jethani temple]]<br />
The Jethani Temple is in ruins, and its plan is ascertained from the remains of pillars and sculpture scattered across the site. The temple is regarded as an experimental structure, and it may have collapsed under its own weight.{{sfn|Bakker|1994|p=258}} Brick [[Buttress|buttresses]] are found throughout the base of the temple, and towards the northern side, two large stone elephants are also present, which would have supported the weight of the temple. It is presumed that these were added as an attempt to stop the temple from collapsing.{{Sfn|Bosma|2018|p=118}}<br />
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The temple had three entrances, with the main entrance facing south, accessible by a flight of steps. The other two entrances faced east and west.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}} Among the ruins, several [[Shaivism|Shaivite]] sculptures are found, including those of [[Kartikeya]], Shiva, [[Ardhanarishvara]], and [[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]]. The prolific Shaivite imagery indicates that this temple was also dedicated to Shiva. The ruins also contain ''[[makara]]'' and ''gana'' figures, which had been used to support pillars. Some of these fragments are housed in the Bilaspur Museum.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}} <br />
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Three large stone [[amalaka]]s are also among the ruins. If these were used in the temple superstructure, it would indicate that the Jithani temple is built in a more conventional north Indian architectural style, as opposed to the Devarani temple, which displays [[Dravidian architecture|south Indian]] influences.{{Sfn|Bakker|1994|p=260-263}}{{sfn|Stadtner|1980|p=47}}<br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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==Bibliography==<br />
* {{Cite book |last=Deva |first=Krishna |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopaedia-of-indian-temple-architecture-ii-pt.1-text/page/226/mode/2up |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture: Volume II, Part 1 – Text |publisher= |year=1988 |pages=227–230 |chapter=Panduvamsis of Sripura and Nalas}}<br />
* {{Cite journal |last=Stadtner |first=Donald M. |date=1980 |title=A Sixth-Century A.D. Temple from Kosala |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20111103 |journal=Archives of Asian Art |volume=33 |pages=38–48 |jstor=20111103 |issn=0066-6637}}<br />
* {{Cite book |last=Bakker |first=Hans |author-link=Hans T. Bakker |title=Observations on the History and Culture of Daksina Kosala |url=https://brill.com/downloadpdf/book/9789004412071/BP000013.pdf |year=1994 }}<br />
* {{Cite thesis |last=Bosma |first=Natasja |title=Dakṣiṇa Kosala: A Rich Centre of Early Śaivism |date=2018 |access-date=2025-01-25 |publisher=Rijksuniversiteit Groningen |url=https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/132910075/Complete_thesis.pdf}}<br />
* {{Cite book |last=Nigam |first=L. S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8sYAAAAYAAJ&q=Riddle+of+Indian+Iconography:+Zetetic+on+Rare+Icon+from+Tala |title=Riddle of Indian Iconography: Zetetic on Rare Icon from Tala |year=2000 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S. |pages=61–68 |chapter=The Image of Siva from Tala: Issues in Identification and Interpretation of the Symbols Therein|publisher=Sharada Publishing House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 }}<br />
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8sYAAAAYAAJ&q=Riddle+of+Indian+Iconography:+Zetetic+on+Rare+Icon+from+Tala |title=Riddle of Indian Iconography: Zetetic on Rare Icon from Tala |year=2000 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S.|last=Srinivasan|first=Doris Meth|chapter=Rupa Yakṣa: Unique Icon / Unique Identification|author-link=Doris Meth Srinivasan|pages=89–96|publisher=Sharada Publishing House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 }}<br />
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8sYAAAAYAAJ&q=Riddle+of+Indian+Iconography:+Zetetic+on+Rare+Icon+from+Tala |title=Riddle of Indian Iconography: Zetetic on Rare Icon from Tala |year=2000 |editor-last=Nigam |editor-first=L. S.|last=Bakker|first=Hans|chapter=An Enigmatic Giant from Tala|author-link=Hans T. Bakker|pages=101–105|publisher=Sharada Publishing House |isbn=978-81-85616-63-6 }}<br />
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[[Category:6th-century Hindu temples]]<br />
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Chhattisgarh]]<br />
[[Category:Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh]]<br />
[[Category:Hindu temples in Chhattisgarh]]<br />
[[Category:Kosala]]</div>ChristenHii