Magderu
| Magderu | |
|---|---|
Nagara ) | |
| Completed | Middle of the 8th century |
| Temple(s) | 7 |
Magderu is an 8th-century temple of
.Architecture
The temple belongs to early
Nagara style temples with single spire with lattice work (sajala) in it. The rectangular, north-facing temple is saptayatana (seven shrine) type with one central large shrine surrounded by six smaller shrines. It is on low platform (jagati). This temple with multiple shrines may be modification of either panchayatana (five shrine) type with addition of shrines in east and south of the central shrine or ashtayatana (eight shrine) type with replacement of eighth shrine with the flight of the steps to access the temple from north. The jagati is buttressed on north and south. The enclosing wall which once connects the shrines.[1]
The central shrine has
The temple once housed
Nandi.[1]
,_Main_entrance.jpg)
Northern entrance
,_Compound.jpg)
Temple from distance. The ruined spire is seen.
,_Inside_View.jpg)
Inside. Bhadraka stype pillars and plain doorway is visible.
History
M. A. Dhaky and J. M. Nanavati opines that "Maga" in the name of the temple suggests that it may be connected to Aboti Maga Brahmins who were worshippers of Surya (solar deity) and immigrants from Iran to western India. So the temple may have been the Sun temple. It may have been the Shiva temple as well.[1] The temple is currently belongs to Shiva.
The spire of the temple has more elaborate lattice work than the
Maitraka period.[1]
The site is inscribed as the Monument of National Importance (N-GJ-129) and is maintained by Vadodara Circle of
Archeological Survey of India.[2]
References
- ^ "Group of Temples". Vadodara Circle. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
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