Latest news with #TheArchaeologicalSurveyofIndia
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar: ASI
Puri, The Archaeological Survey of India on Tuesday said there is no hidden chamber in the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri. No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar: ASI The ASI has recently completed the restoration and repair of the Ratna Bhandar. In a post on X, detailing the restoration works, it said, "..there were no hidden spaces ." The ASI said it was confirmed on the basis of a Ground Penetrating Radar survey. It said the Ratna Bhandar, or treasury, comprises two parts 'Bhitara' Ratnabhandara and 'Bahara' Bhandara, which are separated by an iron gate, locked from the outside. "After inspecting both the chambers, it was decided to take up a GPR survey to identify if there are any hidden chambers or shelves inside the walls or under the floor," it said. "The report of the #GPR survey conducted in September 2024 confirmed that there were no hidden spaces. Following the report, conservation began on 17 December 2024. It started with scaffolding in both Bhitara and Bahara Bhandara," it added. The Ratna Bhandar is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana or assembly hall of the temple, the ASI said. Constructed from khondalite stone, Ratna Bhandar was intended to house the valuables of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshana, it said. The conservation work was carried out at the Ratna Bhandar in two phases, from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025, and from June 28 to July 7. As part of it, the ASI team undertook de-plastering of the inner ceiling, corbels, niches, walls, and outer facade to assess the structure. "Damaged stones and loose joints were discovered. Joints were sealed, followed by chemical cleaning, both inside and outside," it said. The damaged stone pieces were replaced with new khondalite blocks matching the original profiles. All corbel stones were examined and replaced as needed, it added. The rust-damaged wrought iron beams in the niches were also replaced with stainless steel box beams, and grouting was done in various locations, the agency said. Ratna Bhandar's flooring was also replaced with granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base, ensuring slope for drainage and smooth door operation. The inner iron grill gate was also chemically cleaned and repainted with golden preservative paint, it said. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years on July 14 last year for the repair work, and inventory. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar repair work complete, inventory after govt nod: official
Puri, The Archaeological Survey of India has completed the repair work of the Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar or treasury, and inventory-related work will begin after approval of the state government, an official said. Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar repair work complete, inventory after govt nod: official The announcement was made by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee and ASI's Superintending Archaeologist DB Garnayak at a press conference on Monday. ASI is the custodian of the 12th-century shrine in the seaside town. "By the infinite grace of the Lord, the conservation and renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar, both outer and inner, has been completed today," Padhee said. The outer chamber is regularly used to store and retrieve ornaments for rituals and festivals. The most valuable ornaments made of gold and diamond are kept in the inner chamber, which has not been opened for 46 years due to concerns about its structural integrity. Last year, the inner chamber was reopened for the repair of the structure and an inventory of the valuables in it. "The conservation work was carried out by the ASI for about 333 hours over a period of 95 days. As many as 80 people worked to conserve the Lord's treasury," said Padhee, an IAS officer. He said the works related to the inventory will begin only after the state government gives its permission. The Jagannath temple in Puri functions under the Law Department of the state government. Jewellery and other precious items stored in iron chests and almirahs had been shifted to temporary strong rooms inside the temple in two phases in July last year when the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after four decades. The valuables will be taken inside the Ratna Bhandar soon since the repair is now complete, Padhee said. The last inventory was done in 1978. According to that inventory, the temple has 128 kg of gold and over 200 kg of silver, temple sources said, adding that some of the ornaments have gold coatings and those could not be weighed at that time. Padhee said the repair and conservation works were carried out as per the state government's prescribed guidelines. "By the grace of the lord, the repair work was completed before Niladri Bije of deities on July 8," he said. 'Niladri Bije' refers to the return of the sibling deities - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath - to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, marking the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festival. Though the Ratna Bhandar was reopened in July last year, the repair and conservation work began in December after a thorough survey. ASI's Garnayak said a total of 520 damaged stone blocks and a corbel arch were changed in the inner and outer chambers of the Ratna Bhandar. "These are the major stone blocks from the exterior and interior side walls of both chambers of Ratna Bhandar, which had deteriorated over the years. Now, granite stones have been fitted on the floor," he said. "This apart, 15 damaged beams in the structure have been replaced with stainless steel beams, both big and small. The renovation works have been done entirely in the traditional dry masonry method," he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
