Sri Kankali devi temple, Madhyapradesh

Address

Sri Kankali devi temple, Tigawa, Bahoriband Katni district Amgawan, Madhya Pradesh 483330

Diety

Vishnu Amman: Shakti, Chamunda

Introduction

The Kankali Devi Temple in Tigawa Village, Madhya Pradesh, India, is a significant historical and religious site dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Originally, the Kankali Devi Temple was dedicated to Goddess Kankali Devi. However, over time, the sanctum of the temple now houses a Murti (image) of Lord Ugra Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Kankali Devi Temple is not only a place of worship but also a historical and architectural treasure that reflects the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Gupta dynasty.

Puranic Significance

The temple is recognized as one of the earliest temples in India, constructed during the Gupta dynasty. This period in Indian history is renowned for its contributions to art, culture, and temple architecture.The temple features a square sanctum with an outer measurement of approximately 12.5 feet on each side and an inner measurement of about 8 feet on each side. This design reflects the architectural style and dimensions characteristic of ancient Indian temples.

Special Features

Architectural Features:

The temple features an open portico supported by four pillars that extends about 7 feet in front of the sanctum.

Both the sanctum and the pillared porch are elevated on a raised plinth, and the temple roof is constructed using horizontal stone slabs.

Religious Significance:

In front of the temple, there is a seated image of Lord Vishnu in a yoga asana position, with a serpent hood above the head. This portrayal is similar to that of seated Tirthankaras and the Buddha.

The temple’s reliefs and carvings reflect reverence for Shaktism (the worship of the divine feminine) and Shaivism (the worship of Lord Shiva), including a panel depicting Chamunda and Kali Devi.

Notably, during Navratri (a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga), the neck of the statue of Goddess Kali is slightly tilted from its original position, which is considered significant.

Historical Layers:

The temple is believed to have been originally constructed during the Gupta dynasty and subsequently underwent modifications and additions, possibly in the 8th century.

These modifications incorporated elements of both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions into the temple’s design.

Architectural Parallels:

The Kankali Devi Temple shares architectural similarities with temples from the Gupta period, such as the Temple at Sanchi, which illustrates fundamental elements of Hindu sacred architecture.

Its architectural style also resembles that of Hindu cave temples in Udayagiri and the Eran temple, all dating back to the Gupta era.

Temple Complex:

The Tigawa site was once home to a vast temple complex with more than 36 temples, some featuring sculptures and mandapas.

These temples varied in size and design, with smaller ones walled on three sides and larger ones having a mandapa in front with pillars.

Links to Gupta Era:

The Kankali Devi Temple, along with other temples like those at Udayagiri, Sanchi, Eran, Nachna, Besnagar, Bhumara, and Bhitargaon, played a crucial role in defining markers of ancient Hindu temple architecture from the Gupta period.

Architectural Evolution:

The presence of both freestanding and structural temples during this period suggests a transition from earlier wooden and brick temples to more elaborate stone structures.

The Kankali Devi Temple stands as a testament to the evolution of Hindu temple architecture and the fusion of religious traditions. Its architectural and historical significance highlights the close connections between Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles during the 5th century CE. The temple’s ongoing presence and cultural value make it an important pilgrimage site and a subject of scholarly interest.