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Thursday, April 8, 2021

Travel from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Gautameswar Temple

Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur- Tamil Nadu 

A world heritage site, the Brihadisvara Mandir 

With Dravidian architecture evident 

In every chip and dent of the majestic aalyam; 

Built in 1035 AD by King Rajendra Chola I

Inspired by his father, Rajaraja Chola I

Who built the Brihadeeswarar aalyam at Thanjavur  

Source: Behance

Source: Lost Temples
Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva 

Whose lingam is 18 feet wide and 13 feet tall

With the murti of Nandi 

Chiseled in a way to reflect into the sanctum

The lingam is one of the largest in the world 

Residing in the sanctum made of Chandrakanta stones

Which keep the Prabhu cool in summer and warm in winter 


Source: Native Planet

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Gautameswar temple of Manthani, Karimnagar- Telangana 

Gautameswar, another form of Bhagwan Shiva 

Resides as a lingam, 

Close to River Godavari, Bokkala Vaagu*, & Ravula Cheruvu*

Guarded by the murti of a huge Nandi; 

No one knows when the mandir was built 

That shows traces of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism 

 

The Kakatiya kings are said to have renovated 

Adding marvelous sculptures to the old structure 

Bringing the place the recognition it deserved

The name Manthani comes 

From a churning pot of buttermilk

To signify the churning of mantras 

In this pious place where Vedas were taught

 

Previously known as Mantrakootam, 

The region gets a mention in the inscription 

At Dwarakepeetam and Pushpagiri Peetam 

By the Jagasguru Sankaracharya, 

Who visited the aalayam in the early 6th century AD



A land once revered for the Vedic literacy and customs

Now lay abandoned, hidden among the overgrown trees 

Determined to protect it from further damage 

After the nose and ears of the Nandi were 

Destroyed by the Muslim invaders

Note: 

  • Vaagu is a hill stream or a brook 
  • Cheruvu is a lake 

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Source: 

https://www.themysteriousindia.net/ruins-of-gautameswar-temple-manthani/

https://www.telangana360.com/2016/12/manthani-gauthameswara-temple.html 

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#FreeHinduTemples



12 comments:

  1. After reading about Brihadeeswarar temple in one of your earlier posts, I was inspired to pen down a memory. Will post one day soon:)

    Who/ which dynasty were the invaders you mention in the last line?

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    1. That's awesome. Would love to read it. :)

      I couldn't find the exact details but considering the location and timeline, it could be the Deccan Sultanates who took over after the Vijayanagara Kindgom declined.

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  2. Thanks for this. Is it a ruin now ?

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  3. An old building hidden among the overgrown trees is still a lovely buiding, full of mystery, history and much more.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that's true. I do wish our state government did something about it though. With a history like that, it should have been cared for. :/

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  4. So many beautiful things to explore in the world of temples...awesome

    https://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/giants-grawp-and-ghatothkacha.html

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely! This is a great learning experience for me.

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  5. Wow Srivalli I am getting to know of so many new temples from all your posts... Only thing I knew about in this post was the concept of Manthini 😊

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