Dharampuri Basvi Rock Cut Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Dharampuri Basvi Rock Cut Temple, Basvi, Dhar District Madhya Pradesh 454552

Diety

Amman: Kali

Introduction

The Basvi Rock Cut Temple, located in Basvi Village in Dharampuri Taluk, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Basvi Rock Cut Temple is situated on a hill slope on the bank of the Koram River, which is a tributary of the Narmada River.The temple is known for its monolithic rock-cut architecture. It is often described as a miniature version of the famous Kailasha Temple at Ellora, which is renowned for its grandeur and intricate carvings.The temple is also known as Kali Devi Mandir. It is sometimes referred to as Vasvi or Vasvi (Kali), which likely relates to the deity worshipped there, possibly Goddess Kali.The temple is dedicated to the worship of a deity, possibly Goddess Kali, as indicated by its alternative name, Kali Devi Mandir. The presence of a temple in this remote location reflects the deep spiritual and religious connections that temples often hold in Indian culture.

Puranic Significance

The Basvi Rock Cut Temple is datable to the 8th century CE based on its architectural style. This historical context places its construction in the early medieval period. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recognized the temple as a “Monument of National Importance”.

Unfinished Rock-Cut Temple: The temple is characterized as an unfinished rock-cut temple, which means that its construction was likely halted before it could be completed. Despite being incomplete, it still holds architectural and historical value.

Orientation: The temple faces east, a common orientation for Hindu temples, symbolizing the rising sun and the awakening of consciousness.

Architectural Layout: The temple’s layout includes a mukha mandapa (main entrance hall), mandapa (assembly hall), antarala (vestibule), and sanctum. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan, with five projections or facets.

Sikhara and Decorations: The sikhara portion of the temple is partly broken and features decorative elements such as mithuna (couples), kirtimukha (a grotesque mask), and chaitya arches.

Sukanasi: The temple has a sukanasi, a small tower or structure above the antarala. A deity is carved on the maha nasa portion of the sukanasi.

Varandika: The varandika portion of the temple is adorned with a series of miniature niches carved with mithuna couples, adding to the temple’s artistic beauty.

Lotus Carving: A carving of a lotus with a kalasa (a ceremonial pot) on top can be seen on the mandapa.

Lion Carvings: The top of the mandapa features four seated lion sculptures on all cardinal directions, with one lion seated on an elephant, showcasing the intricate stone craftsmanship.

Ornamental Elephant: At the center of the mukha mandapa, there is an ornamental rock-cut elephant decorated with chain and bell designs, serving as a unique and detailed element of the temple’s design.

The Basvi Rock Cut Temple’s architectural features, despite being unfinished, offer valuable insights into the artistic and architectural practices of the 8th century CE.