The Sita Devi temple, a stunning architectural marvel of 13th Century

  

The Sita Devi temple, a stunning architectural marvel of 13^th Century

As I ventured off the Durg-Bemetara road, I found myself in the quaint village of Devarbija, nestled in the heart of Chhattisgarh. This charming village, though small, holds a rich history that dates back centuries. The Sita Devi temple, a stunning architectural marvel, is believed to have stood the test of time since the 12th to 13th century.

As I walked through the village, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. The rustic charm, the warm hospitality, and the sense of community all blended together to create an unforgettable experience. But what drew me to Devarbija was more than just nostalgia - it was the thrill of discovery.

In this hidden gem of a village, I uncovered stories, legends, and secrets waiting to be revealed. Join me on this journey as I delve into the history, culture, and beauty of Devarbija, and relive the magic of this enchanting village."

Unraveling the Mysteries of Sita Devi Temple: A Glimpse into Chhattisgarh's Rich History

As I delved into the history of the Sita Devi temple in Devarbija, I discovered a treasure trove of stories and legends. While the temple's exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, a closer look at the region's history provides some tantalizing clues.

Chhattisgarh, a land of ancient dynasties and empires, has been ruled by various powers throughout the centuries. During the 8th century AD, a regional dynasty emerged, leaving behind a trail of inscriptions and artifacts. One such inscription, the Ragholi plate, mentions King Jaivardhan II, a devotee of Maheshwar and lord of the Vindhya region, who belonged to the Shailvansh dynasty.

This dynasty's history is fascinating, with notable rulers like Shrivardhan I, Prithuvardhan, and Sauvardhan, who expanded their kingdom through conquests. One of Sauvardhan's sons defeated the king of Bengal and Bihar, while another son conquered the king of Kashi. The fact that these kings are mentioned without any reference to an overlord suggests that they ruled independently.

While the history of the Sita Devi temple remains incomplete, it is clear that Devarbija village has been an important center of culture and spirituality for centuries. As I continued my journey, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets this village held, waiting to be uncovered.

Exploring the Sita Mandir: A Hidden Gem on the Banks of Devraha Taria

Tucked away on the western bank of Devraha Taria, the Sita Mandir stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. This ancient temple, once dedicated to Shiva, now bears the name Sita Mandir, thanks to the addition of a female goddess statue within its sanctum sanctorum.

As you approach the temple, you'll notice its east-facing orientation, inviting the warm rays of the rising sun. The structure comprises a sanctum sanctorum (Antaral) and a now-invisible Ardha Mandap. Four steps lead to the Antaral, where the goddess resides.

The temple's entrance is adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing three shakhas (strips) that feature river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna on the door frame. The middle shakha boasts an exquisite image of Ganesha, accompanied by Uma-Maheshwara above Nandi. Mithun couples, reminiscent of those found in Bhoramdev, add to the temple's artistic charm.

Notably, Ganesha is prominently displayed on the lalata-bimb, flanked by Nav-grahas on either side. At the door-sill, Gaja-Lakshmi sits serenely, adding to the temple's spiritual allure.

As you explore the Sita Mandir, you'll uncover the intricate stories and symbolism woven into its ancient stones. This hidden gem on the banks of Devraha Taria is a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Unveiling the Architectural Marvel of Sita Mandir

As we delve deeper into the Sita Mandir, we're met with an captivating depiction on the door frame. The scene unfolds with Navgrahas on the left and seven figures representing the Pandavas and their family members on the right. At the center, a pedestal supports a majestic Nandi, with a Shivalinga looming in the background. This intricate scene likely portrays the Pandavas worshiping the Shivalinga.

Similar depictions can be found in Janjgir, Gandai, and Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage. The Pandavas' story comes alive in this ancient temple, transporting us to a bygone era.

The temple's architectural style is a testament to its historical significance. Built in the Sapta-Ratha style, the elevation plan comprises Peetha, Adhishthana, Jangha, Varandika, Shikhara, Griva, and Amalaka. The Adhishthana's upper two moldings feature a frieze of elephants and human figures, showcasing the artisans' exceptional skill.

The temple's walls are adorned with an array of icons, including Ganesha, Bhairava, Shiva Natesa, and Mahishasuramardini. Each niche reveals a new treasure, from Surya and Harihara-Hiranyagarbha to Vaishnavi and Kaumari. The sculptures, although weathered, still exude a sense of grandeur and artistic expression.

As we explore the Sita Mandir, we're reminded of the region's rich cultural tapestry and the artisans who brought these ancient stories to life.

Unveiling the Secrets of Sita Mandir: A Personal Journey

As I stepped into the sanctum sanctorum of the Sita Mandir, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the square chamber. The roof, supported by four pillars at the corners, seemed to whisper stories of the past. A small cell in the west caught my attention, housing an image of a king with folded hands. I discovered that this was likely a Kalachuri king, the builder of the temple.

Inside the sanctum sanctorum, I found images of Saraswati and Shiva, radiating a sense of serenity. The shikhara, built in the Nagara Latina order, towered above, its seven bhumis (stories) marked by bhumi-amalaka on the karna-ratha.

Scholars date the temple to the early thirteenth century, during the reign of the Kalachuris of the Ratanpur branch. As I explored the temple, I felt a deep connection to the place. Born in Devarabija, I spent my early years here, where my parents, Late Dr. Phanindra Sharma Gaurha and Pushpa Gaurha, worked as Ayurvedic doctors.

During my winter vacation, I returned to Devarabija, determined to uncover the secrets of the Sita Mandir. With the help of literature and local insights, I pieced together the history and significance of this ancient temple.

References:

• ·       भारतीय पुरातत्व (1987-88) - एक समीक्षा/ भारतीय पुरातत्व सर्वेक्षण. नई दिल्ली। पृ. 167-168
• ·       दक्षिण कोसल के कल्चुरी काल मंदिर। संचालनालय संस्कृति एवं पुरातत्त्व विभाग।  159
• ·       सीता देवी मंदिर देवरबीजा भारतीय इतिहास कांग्रेस की कार्यवाही, खंड में प्रकाशित। 48. पृ. 781-78 नागार्च। बीएल (1987)।
• ·       दहाला और दक्षिण कोसल की मूर्तियां और उनकी पृष्ठभूमि । अगम कला प्रकाशन. नई दिल्ली द्वारा प्रकाशित  पी। 127 मिश्रा, आरएन (1987)। 
• ·       ²एपिग्राफिया इंडिका खंड। नौवीं . पीपी. 41-47
• ·       नेल्सन, एई (सं.) (1910)। मध्य प्रांत जिला गजेटियर - ड्रग जिला, खंड। ए - वर्णनात्मक . बैपटिस्ट मिशन प्रेस। कलकत्ता. पी। 35
• ·       सौरभ सक्सेना का आलेख ( इंटरनेट पर पुरातत्व शीर्षक से)