14th century Madwa Mahal temple, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh - 5
The Madwa temple is a square plan Nagara-style temple notable for its large 16-pillar mandapa. Local legends state that the king who built this temple in 1349 completed his wedding in this mandapa.
The temple is simpler in ornaments and reliefs than the older Bhoramdeo temple nearby. These are predominantly found in concentric layer on the outside of the temple. A large percentage of the reliefs are kama-maithuna themes, quite a few with couples in various sexual positions. As with Bhoramdeo temple, about 50 illustrations celebrating sex, some from the Hindu text kamasutra, are found on this temple walls. A few have eroded over time.
The mandapa has a Nandi, whose head was chopped off in later centuries. Ruins nearby suggest other items also suffered intentional damage. The hall leads to ardhamandapa with stairs to a lower level sanctum for Shiva linga.
The temple is active. Local newly married couples visit this place for blessings.Relevante Bilder
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KawardhaKawardha ist eine Stadt (Municipal Council) mit etwa 60.000 Einwohnern im Nordwesten des indischen Bundesstaats Chhattisgarh; sie ist der Hauptort des Distrikts Kabirdham. .. weiterlesen