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Revision as of 07:01, 30 December 2024 by Wikiuser829 (talk | contribs) (←Created page with '{{Infobox artifact | name = Rudra Shiva Statue | material = Sandstone | height = 2.7 meters (8 feet) | weight = Over 5 tonnes | created = 6th century CE | discovered = 1988 | location = Devrani Jethani Temple Complex, Talagram, India | discovered_by = Archaeological excavation team | image = 0010822 6th century Tala Enigmatic statue, Devrani Jethani temple Chattisgarh 136.jpg | image_caption = 6th century Rudra Shiva statu...')(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Rudra Shiva Statue | |
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 6th century Rudra Shiva statue at Talagram | |
| Material | Sandstone |
| Height | 2.7 meters (8 feet) |
| Weight | Over 5 tonnes |
| Created | 6th century CE |
| Discovered | 1988 |
| Discovered by | Archaeological excavation team |
| Present location | Devrani Jethani Temple Complex, Talagram, India |
The Rudra Shiva statue is a unique and monumental sandstone sculpture located in the village of Talagram in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, India. Discovered in 1988 during archaeological excavations at the Devrani Jethani Temple Complex, this 2.7-meter-tall statue dates back to the 6th century CE and is believed to have been created during the reign of the Sarabhpuriya dynasty.
The Rudra Shiva statue is particularly remarkable gfor its anthropomorphic design, where various parts of the body are ingeniously depicted using animal and human figures. This intricate iconography symbolizes Shiva in his form as Pashupatinath, the Lord of Animals, and reflects the ancient Indian artisans' mastery of symbolism and sculptural innovation. The statue is considered a significant cultural and artistic artifact, attracting scholars and visitors from across the world for its historical, religious, and artistic value.
History
The Rudra Shiva statue was unearthed in 1988 during archaeological excavations near the entrance of the Devrani Temple in the Devrani Jethani Temple Complex. The site is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Sarabhpuriya dynasty in the 6th century CE. This temple complex includes two temples, Devrani (younger sister-in-law) and Jethani (elder sister-in-law), and is considered a significant example of early Hindu temple architecture.
The statue is thought to represent Shiva in his aspect as Pashupatinath, the Lord of Animals. It showcases an innovative approach to anthropomorphic iconography, with body parts crafted using animal and human figures.
Location
The statue is located within the Devrani Jethani Temple Complex in Tala. The temple complex is 100 kilometres north of the state capital Raipur and about 27 kilometres from Bilaspur nearly 5.5 kilometres from the Raipur-Bilaspur Highway. The site is a popular destination for archaeologists, historians, and tourists interested in ancient Indian art and architecture.
Artistic Features
The Rudra Shiva statue is notable for its intricate and symbolic design, where different parts of the body are represented by animals, humans, and mythological motifs.
| Part of the Body | Representation |
|---|---|
| Headgear | Coils of a snake |
| Nose | Shaped like a chameleon with scorpion-like ends |
| Eyebrows | Depicted as a frog |
| Ears | Designed as peacocks |
| Chin | Represented as a crab |
| Mustache | Made from fish |
| Shoulders | Formed by crocodile mouths |
| Arms | Resemble elephant trunks |
| Fingers | Modeled as snake mouths |
| Breasts | Adorned with human figures, possibly representing twins |
| Stomach | Circular and pot-like, potentially symbolizing 'Kumbha' |
| Thighs | Depict Vidyadhar figures, resembling a balance or 'Tula' |
| Knees | Feature lion faces, possibly representing the zodiac sign Leo |
| Feet | Shaped like elephants |
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Rudra Shiva statue is considered a masterpiece of Indian religious art. Its complex iconography reflects the multi-faceted nature of Shiva, embodying cosmic elements and his role as the protector of all living beings. The integration of human and animal forms emphasizes his connection to the natural world and the universe.
How to Reach
By Air:
The nearest airport to the Rudra Shiva Statue is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, approximately 140 kilometers away from Tala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Tala.
By Train:
The closest railway station is Bilaspur Junction, which is well-connected to major cities across India. Bilaspur is about 35 kilometers from Tala. Once at the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to the village of Tala.
By Road:
Tala is accessible via road from Bilaspur, Raipur, and other nearby cities. The journey from Bilaspur to Tala takes around 1 hour by car, covering a distance of about 35 kilometers. The village is also connected by local buses and private vehicles from Raipur and Bilaspur.
Local Transport:
Once in Tala, the Devrani Jethani Temple Complex, where the Rudra Shiva Statue is located, is easily accessible by foot or through local transport options.
Preservation and Challenges
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the statue and its surrounding temple complex. However, the site faces challenges due to weathering, lack of sufficient funding, and limited awareness about its historical importance.
Bibliography
- "Rudra Shiva of Devrani Temple". www.boloji.com. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- "Tala | District Bilaspur | India". Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- "Hindu Cosmos". Tumblr. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- "Rudra Shiva Statue - Tickets, Opening Hours, Reviews & Photos [2024]". TRIP.COM. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- Tala C2C.cdr (PDF).
- Goyal, Anuradha (2012-04-26). "Unique Rudra Shiva Sculpture Of Tala, Chhattisgarh". Inditales. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- "Bilaspur News: ये है रुद्र शिव की प्रतिमा, जिसमें पूरे ब्रम्हांड के होते हैं दर्शन". Nai Dunia (in Hindi). 2020-12-24. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- "Tala Chhattisgarh". chhattisgarhtourism.co.in. Retrieved 2024-12-30.