Is part of Opa monument of 7th century? - The Times of India
PANAJI: Is part of the 12th century Saptakoteshwar temple at Opa originally a rock-cut cave dating back to the 7th century?
Some archaeologists say it is one of the oldest temples in the state and its garb griha (sanctum sanctorum) is the original temple.
"This original part of the temple is scooped out from the laterite," says state archives and archaeology department assistant superintending archaeologist Manguesh Deshpande.
The superstructure of the rest of the temple, including the sabha mandap (outer hall) and antaral (vestibule/ connecting passage) were laid later over and around the cave temple, he explained.
Archaeologists find some evidence of the earlier period. "The Shivlinga in the garb griha is mounted on a pedestal and its style is typical of the western Chalukya period," archaeologist Varad Sabnis said. Agrees Deshpande, "The style of the Shivling is of an earlier phase and differs from other Shivlings."
Shree Saptakoteshwar was the family deity of the Kadamba dynasty. "In fact, King Jaykeshi included Saptakoteshwar in his title," Sabnis said. The famous 12th century Mahadeva temple at Tambdi Surla is considered the oldest existing living monument of the Kadambas.
Conceding that a proper study may be needed regarding the temple's antiquity, Deshpande said that the garb griha and the rest of the superstructure blend so well that few notice the distinction. "The different hue and texture of stones in both structures is distinctly visible near the arch of the garb griha," he said.
Another cave, Ishwar Bhat in Amona also has a similar Shivling belonging to the 7th century. The motifs on the granite door jambs at Opa are also characteristic of the art of the Chalukya period.
"Few have noticed that there are two structures within-one carved into the laterite and the other a subsequent addition," said Deshpande.
Read more: Is part of Opa monument of 7th century? - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Is-part-of-Opa-monument-of-7th-century/articleshow/7387507.cms#ixzz1CdAcN0Nm
Some archaeologists say it is one of the oldest temples in the state and its garb griha (sanctum sanctorum) is the original temple.
"This original part of the temple is scooped out from the laterite," says state archives and archaeology department assistant superintending archaeologist Manguesh Deshpande.
The superstructure of the rest of the temple, including the sabha mandap (outer hall) and antaral (vestibule/ connecting passage) were laid later over and around the cave temple, he explained.
Archaeologists find some evidence of the earlier period. "The Shivlinga in the garb griha is mounted on a pedestal and its style is typical of the western Chalukya period," archaeologist Varad Sabnis said. Agrees Deshpande, "The style of the Shivling is of an earlier phase and differs from other Shivlings."
Shree Saptakoteshwar was the family deity of the Kadamba dynasty. "In fact, King Jaykeshi included Saptakoteshwar in his title," Sabnis said. The famous 12th century Mahadeva temple at Tambdi Surla is considered the oldest existing living monument of the Kadambas.
Conceding that a proper study may be needed regarding the temple's antiquity, Deshpande said that the garb griha and the rest of the superstructure blend so well that few notice the distinction. "The different hue and texture of stones in both structures is distinctly visible near the arch of the garb griha," he said.
Another cave, Ishwar Bhat in Amona also has a similar Shivling belonging to the 7th century. The motifs on the granite door jambs at Opa are also characteristic of the art of the Chalukya period.
"Few have noticed that there are two structures within-one carved into the laterite and the other a subsequent addition," said Deshpande.
Read more: Is part of Opa monument of 7th century? - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Is-part-of-Opa-monument-of-7th-century/articleshow/7387507.cms#ixzz1CdAcN0Nm
