PONAGAR - MAHESWAR MANDIR

This renowned Siva mandir like its proud counterpart in Myson of the very same Champa country has a glorious history of its own. Its reputation rests upon the celebrated Saivate rulers, who perpetuated the glory of Indian religion and brought colourful laurels to Saivism in particular. This is the major one of the temple group patronised and maintained by the rulers from the end of the 4th century and onwards. It is a matter of great gratification to learn that when the Hindu empire suffered or eclipsed temporarily due to the formidable military expeditions of Kambhujas, the temples were demolished, but some of the theist rulers on re-conquest, renovated and restored them to former glory; some times the images of rare beauty and lingas of infinite sanctity were received as booty from the defeated, who once seized them by force.

This temple group contains many shrines built for the principal gods of the Hindu pantheon, but Siva mandirs out number the others, for, Siva was the tutelary god of the rulers, country and people. Having enjoyed the royal patronage, their dimensions are imposing, architectural beauty awesome, and sculptural artistry is emulation worthy. .

This lies in Ponagar - one of major cities of the Champa of South Vietnam.

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