NAVA-BRAHMA TEMPLES at Alampur
*THREAD*
Group of nine temples dedicated to Shiva,built in 7th cen. during the reign of Chalukyas
The temples were damaged to a large extent in 14th cen. by the lslamic lnvaders.Restored by the ASI in recent past
1/10
@ReclaimTemples @LostTemple7
*THREAD*
Group of nine temples dedicated to Shiva,built in 7th cen. during the reign of Chalukyas
The temples were damaged to a large extent in 14th cen. by the lslamic lnvaders.Restored by the ASI in recent past
1/10
@ReclaimTemples @LostTemple7
BalaBrahma,SvargaBrahma, PadmaBrahma,GarudaBrahma, KumaraBrahma,TarakaBrahma, ArkaBrahma,VeeraBrahma& VishwaBrahma are the 9 temples
It is believed that Brahma performed penance here to please Shiva.Shiva granted him powers of creation.Therefore,these are named after Brahma
2/10
It is believed that Brahma performed penance here to please Shiva.Shiva granted him powers of creation.Therefore,these are named after Brahma
2/10
The temples were conceived by Rasasidhas. The names of the temple are derived from their association with medicinal herbs.
The Lingams here are believed to be Rasalingams. The Lingam in Balabrahma temple is a swayambu, Rasas ooze from it.
Were these temples Rasashalas?
3/10
The Lingams here are believed to be Rasalingams. The Lingam in Balabrahma temple is a swayambu, Rasas ooze from it.
Were these temples Rasashalas?
3/10
The temples have Mandapa, Antarala, Garbhagriha with Pradikshana patha around
In addition, Kumara Brahma, Garuda Brahma and Svarga Brahma temples have Mukha Mandapa
The Stambhas in the Mandapa are decorated with ghata-pallava motifs on the shaft and lion motifs at the base
4/10
In addition, Kumara Brahma, Garuda Brahma and Svarga Brahma temples have Mukha Mandapa
The Stambhas in the Mandapa are decorated with ghata-pallava motifs on the shaft and lion motifs at the base
4/10
The entrances of the Mandapa and Garbhagriha have intricately carved dwara-shakas with dwarapalakas.
On lalatabimbas, the Garuda/Gandharas.
The chada(ceiling)are carved with floral patterns and seven-hooded coiled Naga, similar to that of temples at Aihole/Badami
5/10
On lalatabimbas, the Garuda/Gandharas.
The chada(ceiling)are carved with floral patterns and seven-hooded coiled Naga, similar to that of temples at Aihole/Badami
5/10
The outer walls of the temples have flying gandharas, Jalavatayana (lattice windows), floral themes and Anuprasthas (niches/miniature shrines) with various deities- most of them absent, existing ones are defaced.
6/10
6/10
The roof of temples have sculptures of Nandi at the corners
The Shikara(rekha-nagara type) rises over Garbhagriha surmounted by amalaka and stupi
The temples have sukanasi over antarala, except for Kumara Brahma temple.The frontal face of sukanasi is sculpted with Nataraja.
The Shikara(rekha-nagara type) rises over Garbhagriha surmounted by amalaka and stupi
The temples have sukanasi over antarala, except for Kumara Brahma temple.The frontal face of sukanasi is sculpted with Nataraja.
PadmaBrahma and ArkaBrahma temples are in partly ruined state with no Shikara over the Garbhagriha.
The amalaka over the VeeraBrahma temple is missing.
Stupi over GarudaBrahma, KumaraBrahma and VishwaBrahma temples is absent.
8/10
The amalaka over the VeeraBrahma temple is missing.
Stupi over GarudaBrahma, KumaraBrahma and VishwaBrahma temples is absent.
8/10
TarakaBrahma temple is an exception, it features Vimana over the Garbhagriha.
Currently, the temple is encroached upon and masjid stands around the temple. There's no Lingam in the Garbhagriha.
9/10
Currently, the temple is encroached upon and masjid stands around the temple. There's no Lingam in the Garbhagriha.
9/10
BalaBrahma temple is the most prominent of all and is the only temple where active worship is on since 7th cen. The temples has some beautiful sculptures of Narsimha, Brahma, Maheshwara, Durga and other deities.
10/10
10/10
