Kahjuraho. Devijagadambi Temple, seen from Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
Date
Authors
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
A similar, yet less mountainous temple appears at the same site of the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple at Kahjuraho, this being the Devijagadambi Temple, which still puts a great stress on elevation. Like its approximately contemporary site-mate, the Devijagadambi's style-giving element, its towering main structure, has determined the forms of all the subordinate parts. Subsidiary sikharas, rising in four stages, each surmounted by a parasol-like capstone, combine with the main sikhara to suggest a traditional cosmic number five. The ribbing of the towers, prominent in earlier northern models, has been reduced to mere rings of decoration. The horizontal accents are gone, and the window motifs have been excluded. Overall, it is a spontaneous rising growth producing a solid-looking form, which in the same moment is alive with diversified patterns of light and shadow within the sculptural surface. While the Kandariya Mahadeo shrine was dedicated to Siva, this nearby contemporary structure is dedicated to Devi (also known as Durga), who manifests herself in many ways as either the goddess of life, or of death, or as a warrior spirit, and most significantly as the wife of Lord Siva when she is known as Parvati. -- Built in reign of Dhanga (about 950-1008).
Citation
Collections
Source
Type
Archives Series
Basham Collection
Date created
circa 1970s
Access Statement
License Rights
This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.
DOI
Restricted until
Downloads
File
Description