ASI to renovate ancient Shiva temples

Bhopal, Sep 27 (UNI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will take up the renovation of seven nearly 1,500-year-old Shiva temples in Amarkantak -- the origin of holy Narmada river -- in next financial year at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh.

''An action plan is being chalked out for renovation of these temples and beautification of its surroundings,'' ASI (Bhopal Circle) Superintendent K K Mohammed told UNI here.

Known as 'Karna matha' temples, the group of temples -- including Pataleshwar, Machendranath, Vishnu and Karna temples -- were built by the Kalchuri kings during 10th and 11th centuries.

The ASI had declared these temples as protected monuments and was in talks for acquiring four-acre land in Annupur district's Pushprajgarh tahsil in the vicinity owned by Mahant Balrajpuri.

Legend has it that a 'Shivlinga' was installed by Adi Shankaracharya and the Pataleshwar temple was later erected by Kalachuri king Karnadeva (AD 1041-1073).

Mr Mohammed said as the name suggested, the sanctum sanctorum of the Pataleshwar temple was underground.

He said the temple's dome and 'mandapa' was heavily damaged leading to water seepage during rains and needed renovation.

Besides, it required water tightening and sealing cracks.

Likewise, the Karna temple is considered to be most ancient temple in the area. It has an appearance of three distinct temples, arranged like a terefoil leaf on a large raised platform and connected with 'maha-madapa' that was never completed. The temple had been neglected.

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