THE work to revivify the ancient Markanda Group of temples, at Chamorshi in Gadchiroli district by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been hampered for the past two years due to alleged irregularities committed by conservationists. Though the ASI authorities maintained that conservation work at Markanda was affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality seems to be far different from the claims. ASI, Nagpur Circle, had undertaken conservation project of architectural restoration of the monument of national importance on scientific lines way back in 2017. Situated on the left bank of river Wainganga, about 190 kilometres from Nagpur, the Markanda group of temples date back to 9- 12 centuries AD. Designated as ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha’ by several historians and scholars based on its sculptural grandeur and architectural beauty, the main shrine in the group is the temple of Markandadeo which is an important pilgrimage centre inVidarbha. Ministry of Culture, Government of India, had sanctioned Rs 2.25 crore to the ASI for restoration of the ‘Shikhara’ of the main shrine and allied works.

 

The ‘Shikhara’ and ‘Mahamandapa’ of the main shrine were struck by lightning damaging both the portions two centuries ago. One of the Gond kings had repaired the roof of the hall about 120 years ago As per the ASI’s conservation project, about 40 stone layers were to be laid for restoration of the ‘Shikhara.’ Of Rs 2.25 crore sanctioned for the conservation work, the expenditure till 2020 was Rs 1.2 crore but the work carried out was, allegedly, not even 50 per cent. A visit by experts to the site reflected that only 20 per cent work was carried out and remaining 80 per cent was still pending. Moreover, the work executed was allegedly not as per standard norms. Highly-placed sources in Ministry of Culture informed that a team of technical experts had recently visited the centrally-protected site to conduct an inquiry into the issue.

 

The team is expected to submit its findings to V Vidyavathi, Director General, ASI. Gajanan Bhandekar, President of Markandeshwar Devasthan Trust, told ‘The Hitavada’ that he had personally met Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and requested him to take up the issue with the Ministry of Culture to expedite the conservation work. Subsequently, he said, a team of technical experts visited the site. After inspecting the site recently, Bhandekar said, the team of experts assured him that the work to rejuvenate the ancient temple would re-start from next financial year

 

 

Sculptural grandeur and architectural beauty THE cluster of temples of various sizes grouped around the central Markandadeo are enclosed in a quadrangle. These temples belong to ‘Saiva,’ ‘Vaishnava’ and ‘Sakta’ faiths. Temples at Markanda have a simple plan, with ‘Ardhamandapa,’‘Mandapa,’ ‘Antarala’ and ‘Garbhagriha’ forming the component of the entire set up. All the compartments of temples are i n t e r - c o n n e c t e d . Markandadeo temples stand majestically along with ‘Nandi’ pavilion facing west. Almost every surface of the main temple is decorated with sculptures. Pilaster decoration on the temple consists of geometrical ornamentation, conventional foliage, mythical animals, human figures and divine figures at some places.The walls of ‘Markandeshwara’ are studded with three horizontal bands of statues of exquisite grace and charm, which constitute the most attractive feature. The erotic depiction is restricted solely to minor representation on some friezes.

 

Along with Markandeshwara, the other temples -- Nandikeshwara, M a r k u n d e s h w a r a , Mritunjaya, Yamadharma and Dasavatara – are small and elegant. However, most of these small temples appear to be in a dilapidated condition. The Mrikunda Rishi Temple facing east located to the north-west of the Yamadharma temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its ‘Sabhamandapa’ has a remarkable square ‘Rangasila’ with profusely carved pillars at the four corners. The exterior of the temple is fully carved with a lofty ‘Sikhara.’ ‘Yamadharma’ is the small temple that stands close to the north of the main temple, facing to the west. The temple of‘Dasavatara’ (ten incarnations of Vishnu) is an open cloister, placed against the western wall of the main enclosure The incarnation’s sculptures are lying in and around the temple. Besides the temples there are several curious old square pillars. Nearly all of them are sculptured and some of them are inscribed.