Kumbha Shyam Temple Chittorgarh

The Kumbha Shyam Temple served as a private place of worship for Meera Bai. She spent long hours here in dedication to Lord Vishnu. Benign at heart, she fed the poor and the visiting pilgrims with her personal share of wealth. Meera Bai was the follower of Guru from the holy land of Varanasi. The Kumbbha Shyam Temple has a Chattri dedicated to her guru, Swami Ravidas, who was also known as Swami Raidas. The markings of the footprints of Guru Ravidas have been preserved in this place of pilgrimage.

History

Maharana Kumbha also known as Kumbhakarna Singh was the son of Rana Mokal and Maharani Sobhagya Devi. He ruled Mewar from 1433 to 1468. Maharana Kumbha was a Hindu and had a great inclination towards music and art. Meera Bai was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. She got married to Rana Kumbha in 1513 and then accompanied him to Chittorgarh. The Kumbha Shyam temple was built on her request. The Kumbha Shyam Temple was originally built in the eighth century. Maharana Kumbha later repaired and revamped the temple during the fifteenth century. Thereafter the temple was renamed after him.

Legend

As per Hinduism, Hiranyaksha was a demon. Mother Earth, personified as Bhudevi was stolen by Hiranyaksha and hidden in the primeval waters. Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a boar to rescue Bhudevi from the shackles of the demon. The incarnation of Vishnu as a boar, known as the Varaha is one of his Dashavatara.

Architecture

Viraha has a boar’s head placed on a human body. The idol of Varaha dwells in the Kumbha Shyam Temple of Chittorgarh. Indo Aryan pattern of architecture was used in building this temple. The temple lies on a podium. The temple comprises of an open course known as the pradakshinapath, a half porch or, ardha mandapa, a full porch or, mandapa, an interior compartment or, antarala and private chamber or, garbagriha. The temple has a unique pyramidal structure on its interior roof and a condescending tower. The archways in the temple are adorned by intersecting loops and patterns. The beauty of the inner walls is enhanced by the sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.