Cracks on Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap raise concern

  • August 17, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Cracks on Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap raise concern

Subject: History

Section: Art and culture

Context:

An Amicus Curiae appointed by the Orissa High Court has found evidence of wear and tear in the structures of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, an Archaeological Survey of India–protected monument. The structure dates back to the 12th Century.

Concern Over Cracks

  • Cracks on beam in Nata Mandap (dancing hall) of Shree Jagannath Temple complex.
  • ASI informed the temple administration about repair work completion in Jagamohana and Nata Mandap.

Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri: Historical Significance and Architecture

Construction and Dynasty

  • Rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, replacing earlier temples.
  • The present temple was built in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Religious Significance

  • Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.
  • Known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha,’ nullifying the power of Yama (god of death) due to Lord Jagannath’s presence.

Part of Char Dham

  • Referred to as the “White Pagoda.” (by European traders)
  • Integral to Char Dham pilgrimages: Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram.

Temple Gates

  • Four gates:
    • Eastern ‘Singhdwara,’
    • Southern ‘Ashwadwara,’
    • Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara,’
    • Northern ‘Hastidwara.’
  • Each gate is adorned with a carving representing a specific form.

Aruna Stambha

  • The Sun pillar is located in front of the entrance.
  • Originally from Sun Temple in Konark.

Ratha Yatra

  • Famous Annual Chariot Festival.
  • Coined the term “Juggernaut” in English.

Unique Image of Jagannath

  • Unlike other Hindu temples, Jagannath’s image is wooden.
  • Replaced ceremoniously every twelve or nineteen years with an exact replica.

Architectural Style

Kalinga architectural style.

  • Pancharatha type with two anurathas, two konakas, and one ratha.
  • Distinctive Gajasimhas (elephant lions) and Jhampasimhas (Jumping lions) carvings.

Nagara-rekha Design

  • Evolved from perfect Pancha Ratha to Nagara-rekha temple style.

Integrated Chambers

  • Unique design: Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa, and Natyamandapa were built with the main temple.
  • Miniature shrines surround the main temple.

The temples in Odisha are categorized based on distinct architectural features into three types:

  1. Rekhapedia/Rekha Deula/Rathaka Deuala:
  • Characterized by a tall, straight structure resembling a sugar loaf.
  • Completely surrounds the inner sanctum (garbhagriha).
  1. Pidha Duela:
    • Features a square structure with a pyramid-shaped top.
    • Used for housing dance and offering halls on the exterior.
  2. Khakra Duela:
    • Exhibits a rectangular structure with a truncated, pyramid-shaped roof.
    • Often used for temples dedicated to female deities, resembling South Indian Dravidian temples.

Cracks on Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap raise concern History