Entrance to the Garbhagriha decorated with an ornate Dvarashakha
Entrance to the Garbhagriha decorated with an ornate Dvarashakha
Location:
Chittorgarh
Date_accepted:
2024-06-10T11:08:51Z
Modified:
2024-06-10T15:12:56Z
Type:
Image
Creator:
Temples of India Project Team
Rights:
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
References:
Temples of India, Mahanaleshwar, Chahamanas of Shakambhari, Mahanaleshwar Temple, Shiva, Suhaveshwar Temple, Temple, Jodhpur Circle, Mauryas of Medapata, Mahanal Temple, Mahanal Temple and Math, Arnoraja II, Architecture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Menal, 8th to 13th centuries CE, Suhavadevi, Rajasthan, and Chittorgarh
The entrance to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is decorated with an ornate dvarashakha (architrave or vertical band). It consists of panchashakhas, meaning five vertical divisions on either side of the dvarashakha. The threshold at the centre bottom is decorated with floral motifs. Above the lintel beam is a row of miniature niches, called rathikas that have engravings of divinities. All the vertical divisions of the dvarashakha have figures carved. These consist of depictions of river Goddesses, apsaras (celestial damsels) and Shaiva attendants. The attendants are carved on the most protruding shakha called the stambha shakha. The lalatabimba (centre of the lintel) has an image of Lakulisa, indicating that the temple was affiliated with the Pashupata Shaiva tradition.