Bhumara

Bhumara

Bhumara, Chandrashala-window
in Indian Museum, Kolkata

Location in Madhya Pradesh, India

Coordinates: 24°24′N 80°43′E / 24.400°N 80.717°E / 24.400; 80.717Coordinates: 24°24′N 80°43′E / 24.400°N 80.717°E / 24.400; 80.717
Country India
State Madhya Pradesh
District Satna
Population
 • Total ~500

Bhumara (sometimes called Bhumra or Bhubara) is a town of few houses and a Gupta era stone temple site in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh.

Location

The town and temple site of Bhumara rest on a largely shrubby hill plateau about 12 km west of the town of Unchehra, the nearest local train station, with Nagod accessible by short drive. Unlike in 15 km away Nachna, the temple of Bhumara remained isolated with sparsely populated surroundings.

History

The earlier history of the place is not known due to a lack of written documents. The Shiva temple was built in the mid-to-late 5th century.[1][2] At some point in the Middle Ages it was seriously damaged, probably by humans. In 1920 the temple was rediscovered by English archaeologists, and some decorated components were transferred to the Indian Museum, Calcutta. In 1979 restoration measures were undertaken to roughly approximate the original appearance of the temple.

Dating

The Shiva temple is dated partly by building inscriptions and records. Despite significant structural similarities with the early temples of Tigawa and Sanchi (Temple No. 17) it is mostly dated to the late 5th century (about 480), because of the presence of a high platform and due to the developed figure style.

Shiva temple

Architecture

The Shiva temple of Bhumara stands on an approximately 1.40 m high platform (Jagati), which is comparable in dimensions to the two temples of Nachna. The square windowless garbhagriha, the temple's innermost sanctuaries (external dimensions approximately 3.70 m × 3.70 m; internal dimensions approximately 3 m × 3 m) have relatively less thick walls (about 70 cm) and flat ceilings. A pillared open porch (mandapa) is set before it, so the initial impression of the temple appears roughly similar to ones in Tigawa and Sanchi. On both sides of the east staircase, two foundation structures are visible, suggesting the former presence of two smaller companion shrines.

Architectural decoration

The entrance door has multiple gradations. Most parts have relief figures (Ganga and Yamuna, with male and female figures located in separate fields) and decorated ornaments. The lintel is widened and centred on the middle of a large Shiva bust, and to the side are depicted celestial lovers (mithunas). Some decorated flower motifs and Ganas as part of a decorative frieze are also preserved.

Shiva Lingam

Bhumara - Shiva-lingam; the ancient Shiva-portrait (5th century) is still worshipped with flowers and incense.

Among the most important artefacts of Bhumara is a Shiva-lingam with a bust relief of the deity, which occupies almost the entire height of the lingam. The face of Shiva, depicted as youthful with half-opened eyes and calm posture, shows the god in a meditative state. On the forehead of Shiva a third eye can be seen, considered in mythology to be a sign of knowledge and wisdom but also, in his role as destroyer, able to burn his enemies to ashes.[3]

The long braided hair around the head (chandrashekar) is shown decorated with a crown and jewelled tiara. The tip is depicted with a crescent moon, traditionally associated with 'churning of the ocean of milk'.[4] Strands of hair hang from the side of the head to below shoulders and are strewn upon the side of the stone. Jewels portrayed on the neck of Shiva are—as with many contemporary Buddhas—usual portraits shown in the form of three rings.

From the end of 5th century the lingam was well-kept, with the nose of the deity damaged in later times—probably by humans.

Importance

The Gupta temple of Bhumara is one of the few preserved buildings of this period. The portraits of Shiva on the lingam and lintel are of considerable refinement and historical worth.

Environment

Close to the temple stands a late 5th or beginning 6th century dated pillar (Thari Pathar). It contains an inscription that separates the dominions of two Maharajas from each other. The important archaeological site of Nachna and stump of the stupa of Bharhut lie within 15 km distance.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Singer, Noel F., Vaishali and the Indianization of Arakan. APH, 2008.
  2. ↑ Bunce, Fredrick W., The Iconography of Architectural Plans. 2002
  3. ↑ Anneliese and Peter Keilhauer. The imagery of Hinduism. The Indian deities and their symbolism. DuMont, Cologne 1986, ISBN 3-7701-1347-0, p. 112
  4. ↑ Anneliese and Peter Keilhauer. The imagery of Hinduism. The Indian deities and their symbolism. DuMont, Cologne 1986, ISBN 3-7701-1347-0, p. 139.

Literature

External links

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