Context:
During recent conservation efforts, epigraphists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered a Telugu inscription on the wall above the statue of Lord Hanuman at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Historical Background
- Architectural Importance
Historical Background
- Origins and Cultural Influence: The temple, also known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, was originally established in the 11th century by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha.
- It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha
(the man-lion). - Contributions and Renovations:
- It was constructed in the 11th century by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha.
- Kulottunga Chola I from Tamil Nadu made significant endowments around 1087.
- The temple saw major renovations from the Vengi Chalukyas of Andhra Pradesh during the same period.
- Further enhancements were made by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the early 13th century.
- Notably, Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire visited and contributed to the temple in 1516.
Architectural Importance
- Architectural Design: It is of a design combining elements of Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles, thus making it a monument of a great cultural heritage.
Structural Details:
- The central sanctum is renowned for its elaborate carvings and the dynamic depiction of Narasimha, blending human and lion forms.
- An important structure is the stone chariot, beautifully carved denoting celestial transportation.
- The marriage hall, or Kalyana Mandapa, displays 16 intricately carved pillars that feature various Vishnu incarnations.
- The exterior walls show the temple having bas-reliefs of a royal figure; it is said to depict King Narasimha in various ceremonial poses.
-Source: The Hindu
