|
Paradoxical
it may sound, that certain shrines though in abject ruins are casting spells
more than those where regular adoration is offered with all fanfare. The
Konark's Sun temple belongs to this category and this Asha Devi temple in Madhya
Pradesh joins its ranks with pardonable pride and wrings veneration from both
theists and connoisseurs of art alike. This shrine's presiding deity is Mother
Parvathi, but locals call it Asha devi with great veneration. This temple
although in ruins, the fallen parts exhibit superb artistry of the sculptors.
The doorjam displays a highly wrought artistry profuse with figures of human
figures and creepers. The embellishments of Uttaranga is divided into three
parts and beautified with the images of divinities like Ganesh and Devi. There
are evidences such as the Lalatabimba adorned with the figure of
Mahishasuramardini From the available evidence it can be deduced that this was
built in the 11th century A.D. by Paramara Kings. There are several pieces of
superbly sculptured human and divine figures bearing semblance to the Paramara
style of architecture. And it can presumed that it was a great-centre of their
cultural activities throbbing with a life of refinement and luxury. Further, it
is one of the four major temples Bhutanath, Bilanth etc. Built by the Paramara
kings. Its attraction ironically is waxing with time, despite many pieces are
found in debris.
It
lies in a dense forest 45 km off the Bhopal city, the metropolitan capital of
Madhya Pradesh, accessible by 4 wheelers.
|
