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Odisha Review July - 2013

The Temple of Markandeswar of

Dr. Srinivas Acharya

Introduction : The temple of Markandeswar is one of the important Saiva shrines of Puri. The name Markandeswar is connected with the name of , a great devotee of Shiva. lswar or Shiva is worshipped by Markandeya is called Markandeswar. lt is one of the earliest Shaiva shrines located in Srikshetra. The great sage Markandeya is the founder of the shrine. In Narasingha Puran the legend of Markandeya is stated in a nice manner. Markandeya or Markanda was the son of Mrukandu and Manaswini. Mrukandu did not have sons for a long time. So he performed penance for several years to please Shiva to get a son. Shiva granted austerities. The day of his death came and the a son who would live up to sixteen years. Even boy sat before Shiva in his form of Linga from boyhood Markandeya knew all the Shastras. in deep meditation. The messengers of Yama, the His pleasing manners got the approval of his God of death could not approach Markandeya teachers and the boy was liked by one and all. for the radiation from him was too hot for them. But the parents were sad and whenever they They were unable to take away the life of looked at their son a gloom spread over their face. Markandeya. Finally Yama himself came to fetch The secret of the short span of life was hidden him. Then Markandeya crying loudly for help from him. The 16th year was fast approaching embraced the idol before him. Yama threw his and one day unable to control their grief they wept rope in a loop and it went circled round the idol before him. Markandeya asked the reason why also. Angry Shiva rose from the idol and coming they wept. Father Mrukandu with tears running down killed Yama to save the child.From that day down his cheeks told him the story. From that onwards Shiva got the names Mrityunjay and day onwards Markandeya started performing Kala-kala. After that at the request of Devas Shiva penance. The boy was soon engrossed in severe gave back life to Yama again on the condition that

104 July - 2013 Review the young Markandeya would live forever. Thus AD.The both temples must have belonged to he made Markandeya to be of 16 years for ever. Somavanshi rule in Odishan History. The Puranas state that after getting the blessing Importance of Markandeswar Temple: of Shiva, Markandeya lived for ten crores of There are four prominent or years. hermitages in Srikshetra connected with Srimandir Markandeswar Temple: rituals and Markandeyashram is one of them. The Markandeswar Temple is situated about other three Ashrams are Bhruguashram, a distance of half a kilometer to the North West Angirashram and Kanduashram. There are five of Sri Temple complex. The locality is prominent Shaiva shrines known together as called Markandeswar Sahi in which the temple Panchapandavas or five brothers namely stands for year. The exact geographical location “Yameswar, Lokanath, Markandeswar, of the temple is longitude 85049’94" E and latitude Kapalmochan and Nilakantha. Markandeswar is 19048’62"N. locally called Bhim & Arjun. lt is known from the Mahabharat that five Pandav brothers during their The original temple here is dated back tirthayatra in Vanaparva visited Yajnavedi and pre - times because in the Ramayana performed religious rites there. It is said that five we find the sage Markandeya as one of the Shaiva shrines were attached to memorise their Shastries in the court of King Dasarath. arrival at Puri. There is reference in Skanda The present temple is erected in much deeper Purana Purusottama Mahatmya that this kshetra ground level. Most of the scholars accept that is called Shankhakshetra as it is conch shaped the present structure of Markandeswar Temple and at the centre stands the temple of Sri was constructed during the Somavanshi period Jagannath. lt is surrounded and protected by eight of Odishan history. Pt. Kripasindhu Mishra the shrines called Astashambhus. Markandeswar is author of Utkal Itihas has stated that one of them. The others are Kapalmochan, Markandeswar Temple and stairs to the tank Kshetrapal, Yameswar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar were built by Koshala Keshari. Eminent scholar and Nilakantha. As per the reference in Jagabandhu Singh in his book Prachina Utkala Brahamapuran, the sage Markandeya founded has also mentioned that Markandeswar Temple this Shaiva shrines in Vishnukshetra in order to was constructed by Koshala Keshari (Shakabda close the rivalry between Shaivas and Vaishnavas. 761-785 or 740-764 AD). Madalapanji also Sri Jagannath directed Sudarshanchakra to dig a supports the above statement. According to the pond for Markandeya. That pond was named opinions of the learned historian Dr.S.N.Rajaguru after Markandeya and became the Adyatirtha “Markandeswar Temple seems to be the earliest among the Panchatirthas viz. Markandeya tank, centre of Shaivacharyas in Srikshetra or Puri. The Swetaganga, Rohinikunda, Mahodadhi and Saiva teachers of Chodaganga Deva and his family tank. lived in that ancient temple which might have been constructed by a Sailodbhava King of Kangoda Description of the temple: in about 7th or 8thCentury AD”. Prof. H.V. According to Vastushastra the temple of Stietencron has pointed out that there is some Markandeswar belongs to Triratha class, Rekha resemblance in architectural style between order and its height is about sixty feet from the Markandeswar Temple and Mukteswar Temple ground level. The temple is about twenty feet of which belongs to 10th Century below the present road level. The whole structure

105 Odisha Review July - 2013 consists of three divisions such as , Goddess is housed in a small Jagamohan & Natamandap. temple. The upper part of the inner wall of the The structure of Vimana or main temple said temple is depicted with Dasamahabidya Viz. is facing towards east and the presiding deity is Kali, , Sodashi, Bhubaneswari, Bhairabi, Mrityunjay Sivalinga, the temple is built in both Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagala,Matangi, sand stones and laterite stones which is thickly Kamala or Raj Rajeswari. On the southern side plastered with lime mortar so the decorative of Jagamohan there is a Kitchen or Roshaghara ornamentations are not visible outside. There are and a well in front of the kitchen. There are two parsvadevata images of Ganesh & Karttikeya small temples in the premises known as in the outer parts of Vimana. The sanctum Panchapandav temple and temple of Baidyanatha preserves the Mrityunjay Lingashakti at its centre and Rameswar. Outside wall of the main temple contains a rare image of cat - faced or and Sivalinga is in cracked condition due to sudden appearance of Siva from Linga to save a Marjar Hanuman, in the Valmiki Ramayan his devotee Markandeya from Yama’s attack. The (Sundarakanda - 2nd Canto) it is stated that Hanuman entered in Ravan’s harem to trace Sita same incident has been depicted with a painting in form of a cat. in one portion of inner wall. The other portion bears the picture of Sri Jagannath in his four In front of the main gate way entrance shapes. ln the front side wall the picture of Shiva there is a platform called Gamha-vedi. lt is in the stage of meditaion is drawn in colours. The connected with festive occassion of top portion of the Vimana or main temple consists Gamhapurnima and Balabhadra Janma. By the of beki, Amalakasila, Khapuri, Kalasa, side of Gamhavedi there is a temple of and Dhwaja. Dopicha lions and other figures are Saptamatrukas or Seven sacred mothers. In the fixed which serve as the supporting elements of temple the seven stone images each about four amalakasila. feet high kept over a platform. The seven mothers are Brahmi or Brahmani, Maheswari, The Jagamohan of the temple is a Pidha- Kaumari,Vaishnavi, , Indrani and and its height is about 40 feet from the Chamunda. They are accompanied by images of ground level of the premises. In the corner of the Ganesh and Birabhadra Shiva. Each mother inner part of Jagamohan the Ishna is placed. ln except Chamunda has her child in her lap. The one side of the inner wall of Jagamohan is depicted temple of Sapta Matruka is one of the important with a painting of Rishipanchami rites in which Shakta shrines of Odisha. Images of Sri goddess Laxmi uses to listen canons of Jagannath, Sri Balabhadra, Devi and Rishipanchami Brata from the sage Markandeya. other deities are worshipped in a separate temple. The Jagamohan is occupied by a small stone slab In front of Sri Jagannath temple there is the which contains the legendary images of Kaliyadalan Mandap or Boitideula. lts upper part Markandeya, Mrityunjay Shiva and Yama. is designed as a boat which is a rare structure in In side of Natamandap the big wooden Puri. It was built by Kirtichandra, the King of bull,the traditional mount of Markandeswar and Barddhaman in West in 1746 AD. By the Parvati is kept to be used on the occasion of their side of Kaliyadalan Mandap there is a marriage ceremony. On the other side the wooden Dolamandap. The small temple of Dhableswar is Vimana is placed which is used in carrying the in front of Dolamandap. On the auspicious day deity for participation in Chandana . of Bataosha observed on the 14th day of the

106 July - 2013 Odisha Review bright fortnight of Kartika devotees in large in the month of Balsakham (May) with Yameswar, numbers come to worship the deity. Lokanath, Kapalmochan, Nilakantha, and Markandeswar Tank: in a colourful boat. Sri Sudarshan from Srimandir arrives at Gamha Bedi on the full moon The temple of Markandeswar is day of Shravana (August) to perform birth rites connected with Markandeswar tank in its rituals of Sri Balabhadra. Kaliadalan festival is observed and festivals. It is the first and one of the five sacred tirthas or bathing places of the pilgrims in in the month of Bhadraba (September).On this Srikshetra. The other four tirthas are Swetaganga occasion Madanamohan, Rama and Krishna Tank, Rohini Kunda, Idradyumna Tank and arrive at Kaliyadalan Mandap from Srimandir. Mahodadhi (Ocean). Markandeya Tank is an Besides these special rites are performed in the open structure which is enclosed within stone temple in consonance with the rites in Sri walls made of laterite blocks. The tank is irregular Jagannath temple on five occasions namely in shape and 8.5 meters below the present road Ashrama-bije, Kamada-, Shravan- level. Its sides measure 106.68 m. (350 Ft) on shuklanavami, Rishipanchami and Margasira the northen side, 154.8385 m. (508 Ft) on the Shukla Chaturdashi. Traditional sandy Linga eastern side, 117.348 m.(385 Ft) in the southern worshipped by Neta girls belong to servitor group side and 165.2026 m.(542 Ft) on the western of Srimandir has special attraction in the shrine. side. The tank covers an area of nearly 1.6187 At that time Neta girls with their attractive dress hectares (4.598 Acres). and gold ornaments look like dancers. The girls used to sing prayers addressed to It is situated in the mauza Markandeswar Markandeswar, Shiva & Parvati, Sarvamangala Sahi, Khata 668 at Plot No.136.Generally the etc. southern side of the tank is used as the bathing Ghat by tourist & pilgrims. The tank is presently Inscription : used for rituals as well as normal bathing. Rituals Four ancient stone inscriptions are found like obsequies, Pindadana, Tarpan and Mundana in the Markandeswar temple premises which are Kriya are observed at the steps of the tank. The of great interest to historians. Out of them two tank is fed by natural springs from underground. stone inscriptions pertain to the Ganga dynasty. Both inlet and outlet of the tank are found which All the four inscriptions have been edited by Dr. serve to keep the water of the tank clean. An S.N. Rajaguru in the volume I & II entitled inlet channel in west side is found in dilapidated “inscriptions of the temples of Puri and origin of condition. The speciality of the tank is that there Sri Purusottam Jagannath published by Sri is a sacrificial altar at the centre of the tank. Jagannath Visvavidyalaya, Puri. Festivals & Rituals : The 1st Markandeswar temple inscription The festival of Ashokashtami is observed was edited by Dr. D.C Sircar and Dr. S.N on the 8th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra (April) Rajaguru tried to rectify some of errors in his in the temple with great enthusiasm. Mahasivaratri reading. Its language is Sanskritised Odia and the in the month of Phalguna (March) and the script belongs to North-east Indian Kutilalipi. Its marriage ceremony on the eve of Sheetalashasthi length & width are 31" and 12" respectively. The in the month of Jyestha (June) are celebrated here inscription states that in the 57th auspicious and in pomp and ceremony. Markandeswar victorious reign of Chodagangadev, a perpetual participates in at Narendra Tank lamp to burn before Markandeswar (excluding)

107 Odisha Review July - 2013 a half of Nirolagram belonged to Purusottam, (the is surrounded on all sides by granite hills which other half is donated) to its resident who accepted are full of antiquities. The temple noted for its the Eka-Chhaya. The service charter was made beautifully carved pillars is the prominent attraction. under the witness of Mudrahasta Devadhara, The other Markandeswar temple is a very old Nilakantha Pushpalak and Sevaka Narayana place with natural beauty. It is a good tourist spot Somajaji. in the district of Gadchiroli, popularly known as The 2nd inscription is written in Sanskrit Kashi of Vidarbha. As per the description of the language in North Indian script. The text covers Brahmapurana, Skandapurana, Bamadeva five lines having measurement of 14 ½” x 8”. The Samhita and Niladrimahodaya etc. present inscription states that in and the Markandeswar temple of Puri is connected with bright fortnight of sixth tithi and in holy Friday, tank is very important from the cultural, religious, his brother Veera – Pramadiraja granted some historical and architectural point of view. The same property to the Saivacharyas in the temple of temple is supposed to be the place where the Markandeswar. Pramadiraja is the younger young Markandeya worshipped Shiva in order brother of Chodagangadev and his brother was to win over his destiny. This is where Shiva fought associated with and appeared in battles of Utkal with Yama and blessed Markandeya. The temple and Bangi in between 1112 & 1152 A.D., for of Yameswar in Puri is the place where Yama long 40 years. worshipped Shiva and built a temple there. Srikshetra is the place where Markandeya saw The 3rd is Panchapandav temple Balamukunda. As a Shaiva shrines its importance inscription which is written in mixed script of is equal to Yameswar and Lokanath temple. The Devanagari and Bengali. The inscription is not available sculptures in the temple premises indicate clear but from three lines it is known that this small that they were made in different periods of temple was built by Nanaji, the chief and. administrations. The temple and tank are closely his minister Munjaji who appointed to masons connected with some of the rituals of Srimandira. named Sutradhar Sagaranga & Bhimandas. The Markandeswar tank is 1st amongst five holy temple was constructed when Puri was under tirthas of Srikshetra. Maratha rule from 1751 to 1803 AD. The 4th inscription is Kaliyadalanmandap References: or Boitideula inscription which is five lined and 1. Orissa District Gazetteer, Orissa State Volume II, Govt. Press of Orissa, , 1977. written in and Sanskrit language.lts 2. Inscription of the temples of Puri and Origin of Sri time is 1667 Sakabda or 1745 AD. The Purusottam Jagannath –Vol. I by Dr. S.N. inscription states that King Harekrushna Singh Rajaguru published by Sri Jagannath Sanskrit cleaned the Markandeswar Tank and constructed Viswavidyalaya, Puri. steps to the tank. He built the Mandap and called 3. The Brahmapurana- Published by Hindi Sahitya himself Keertichandra. Sammelan, Prayag,1998. Conclusion : 4. The Garuda Purana -Published by Geeta Press, Gorakhapur. There are three famous Markandeswar 5. Prachina Utkal by Jagabandhu Singh, 1st edition Temples in and Markandeswar temple of 1929. Puri is one of them. The other two temples are in Karnatak state. The Markandeswar temple of Dr. Srinivas Acharya, Mishra Lane, Markandeswar Sahi, Kaloor in Manvi taluk, Raichur district, Karnatak Puri - 752001.

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