Image of a eight-armed Chamunda in the Devakoshtha (niche)
Image of a eight-armed Chamunda in the Devakoshtha (niche)
Location:
Chittorgarh
Date_accepted:
2024-06-10T11:09:27Z
Modified:
2024-06-10T14:06:02Z
Type:
Image
Creator:
Temples of India Project Team
Rights:
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
References:
Temples of India, 8th to 13th centuries CE, Mahanal Temple, Mahanal Temple and Math, Menal, Temple, Suhavadevi, Chittorgarh, Mahanaleshwar, Arnoraja II, Mahanaleshwar Temple, Chahamanas of Shakambhari, Architecture, Shiva, Jodhpur Circle, Mauryas of Medapata, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Rajasthan, and Suhaveshwar Temple
Pictured here are the details of the bhadra (central projection) from the north-facing elevation of the Mahanaleshwar Temple. The devakoshtha (niche) on the central bhadra projection is a deep niche with an image of eight armed Chamunda inside. The devakoshtha is made up of two ornate pilasters that have icons at the base. These pilasters stand on a pedestal which is fashioned like a kapotali (cyma recta) and supports an udgama (pediment) above. This udgama is made up of a mesh of gavakshas (chaitya or dormer window arches) arranged like a pyramid. The east and west-facing sides of the devakoshthas have attendants. Chamunda has a skeletal body, stands on a dead human body, and holds a kapaal (human skull), khatvanga (staff with a skull), trishula (trident), naag (serpent), damru (hourglass-shaped drum), etc. attributes. She is biting the finger of her upper left hand.