Astasambhu Siva Temples

The Astasambhu Siva Temples constitute a significant collection of eight Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. The name itself, 'Astasambhu,' derives from Sanskrit, with 'Ashta' meaning eight and 'Sambhu' being an appellation for Lord Shiva, thus signifying eight temples of Lord Shiva.

Architectural Features and Construction

These temples are noted for their uniformity in size and dimension. Architecturally, they are classified as Rekha Deul, a prominent style of temple construction in the Kalinga region. Dating back to around the 10th century AD, their construction is attributed to the use of coarse grey sandstone, employing a dry masonry technique. The temples are situated within the Uttaresvara Siva Temple precinct, bordered by the Godavari tank to the east, the Uttaresvara compound wall to the west, and the Bindusagar tank to the south.

Each temple features a square vimana (shrine) with a frontal porch. The elevation follows the rekha order, standing approximately 5.72 meters tall from the pabhaga to the kalasa. The structure is divided into three main parts: the bada (base), gandi (tower), and mastaka (head). The bada itself is trianga, measuring 1.72 meters and includes the pabhaga with four base mouldings, the jangha, and the baranda.

Decorative Elements and Iconography

Parsvadevata niches, designed with khakhara order elements, are present on the raha paga of the jangha on the north, west, and south sides. While the northern and western niches are empty, the southern niche remarkably houses a four-armed Ganesha. This sculpture depicts Ganesha holding a parasu in his lower left hand and a rosary in his lower right, with his upper hands broken. Flying vidyadharas flank the deity at the top, holding garlands.

The doorjambs are adorned with three vertical bands and feature dvarapala niches at their base, housing Saivite dvarapalas with tridents. At the lalatabimba (the central decorative element above the doorway), a Gajalaxmi figure is carved, holding a lotus and in a Varada mudra. The architrave above the doorjamb is embellished with the traditional Navagrahas (nine celestial bodies), flanked by two atlantid ganas on either side.

Historical Context

The architectural style and features of the Astasambhu Siva Temples align with the period around the 10th century AD, suggesting their patronage and construction during that era. Their arrangement, with five in one alignment, is also noted as Panchu Pandava, referencing the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata.