Devrani-Jethani temple - Tala, Chhattisgarh
(A
blog by Jitendra Nakka)
Introduction
In words of famous scientist James Hutton – “Present is
the key to Past”, which means the past processes can be explained in terms
of the contemporary processes which can be observed and recorded at present.
There are some places which are evidences of great ancient
past. There are some places which are proof of great art and breathtaking sculpture
of any region. There are some places which are witness of great love of
traditions and customs by any great ancient kingdoms, any great ancient
dynasties. One such perfect destination is Tala. Tala is famous for Devrani-Jethani
temples.
Picture: Devrani Temple, Tala
Where
and How to reach?
Tala lies in the bank of confluence of river Maniyari and Shivnath
near Village Ameri Kampa. Tala is also identified as Sangama Gram in the
records of Panduvanshis of Mekala.
Tala lies near the Raipur-Bilaspur Highway (NH-130), the
nearest railway station is Bilaspur and Raipur and the nearest airport is Raipur.
This place is approachable throughout all the seasons of a year.
Importance:
Historical
Importance:
Discovered by J.D.Welger, assistant to renowned archeologist Alexander
Cunningham in 1873-74, Tala has been dated to about 7-8th Century
A.D. During excavations, it has been dated to 6th – 10th
Century A.D.
Religious
Importance:
Tala is famous for the spectacular Devrani-Jethani temples
which are devoted to Lord Shiva. Various excavations done here tell that
various dynasties reigned here were followers of Lord Shiva and preached the
Shaiva Religion in the past. Here there are few more temples built recently by
Nishad Samaaj namely Ram-Janki temple, Swami Purnanand Maharaj temple and Gaushala.
Art
and Sculpture:
Devrani-Jethani
temple
Here, there are two temples viz: (1) Devrani temple and Jethani temple. Both the temples are still
present in the form of remnants only. It is discovered that these temples have
been during the reign of Sharabpuri Kingdom.-
(1)
Devrani Temple:
This temple involves a combination of two temple (a) Devrani
temple and (2) Shiv temple. The dimension of this temple is quite interesting
as it has a dimension of 75X32 square feet. This temple is constituted by three
phases of temples i.e. Mandapa, Antaral and Garbh-griha. The entrance
wall pillars is ornamented with encarvings of River Goddesses whereas the top
is encarved with Gajlaxmi.
Picture: Front View of Devrani Temple
Picture: Inner View of Garbh-griha, Devrani Temple
Picture: Inner View of Garbh-griha, Devrani Temple
Picture: Author infront of entrance
This temple cannot be complete without discussing the divine
and spectacular statue of Lord Shiva which is also renowned as Rudra
Shiva. In this statue, the body parts of the Lord Shiva is made in the
form of different animals like the forehead is made like snake, nose is made
like lizard, moustaches is made like fish, beard is formed like crab and the
ears are made like pea-cocks. Similarly the abdomen part of Shiva is made of
the head of 7 men. The statue is nearly 2.70 meter long. As we don’t find any
incarnation of Lord Shiva like this statue in any of the religious books, hence
there are differences in the view of archeologists and historians.
Picture: Statue of Rudra Shiva
The majority of this temple was buried under earth. In
1976-77, The excavation was started, later followed by excavation works in 1988-89.
This temple is believed to have built by Sharabhpuri Dynasty around
5th - 6th Century
A.D. Later on the external part of the temple had been extended around 9th
– 10th Century A.D.
((2)
Jethani Temple:
This temple is in devastated condition but still hold
special importance in the field of Archeology and Science, where the back of
the base of the temple gives a square like impression but the front of the
temple shows continuous stairs upto the first chamber i.e. Mandapa, which is actually half of its
square shape. The Garbh-griha and front phase of the temple is directed towards
east direction, whereas other entrance can be observed in East and West
direction too. The relic of weight bearing pillars can be observed by the
ornamentation encarvings of Lion at different directions and other peculiar but
artistically spectacular design of idols. The base of the temple is ornamented
with the encarvings of Digpal Devta and Gajmukh.
Picture: Side View of Jethani Temple
Picture: Front View of Jethani Temple
Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Digpal Dev) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple
Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Digpal Dev) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple
Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Lions) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple
Picture: Ornamented Pillar infront of Jethani temple
Picture: ruined statues and idols infront of Jethani temple
Picture: idols infront of Jethani temple
Picture: idols infront of Jethani temple courtyard
Picture: idols infront of Jethani temple courtyard
The extensive excavation of this temple started in 1986,
resulted into the discovery of various statues, metamorphic objects, metal
bangles, coins etc. Later in 1987, more enhanced excavation was started to more
findings. This temple is believed to be of 5th – 6th
Century A.D. This temple is made from Red Sandstone and is believed to have
gone through renovation previously in 8th-9th Century A.D.
This place is considered as one of the most important Shiava pilgrim
from early ages.
Conclusion:
Here near the bank of Maniyari and Shivnath, there are a lot
of relics waiting to be explored. This place is an important pilgrim for Shaiva
people and a huge fair is held every year in the month of Shiv-ratri. So if you
really wanna visit some of the best archeological sites of Chhattisgarh, do
visit Tala.
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