Monday, 18 August 2014

An ancient Temple and its mystery images


The Temple of Lord Parshuram located in the Chiplun city of Maharashtra has a unique distinction of hosting one of the few such temples in the country, and the only one in Maharashtra.  Lord Parshuram, the 6th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, was a devout worshipper of Lord Siva and after undertaking a severe penance was duly rewarded with an Axe which came to symbolize his might and prowess. You may find many such images of him in Chiplun and quite a few places also named after him, from Apartments to Hotels and Shops



The temple is located some 10km away from the city center. You need to park your vehicle close by to the highway and the Temple is reached after a further 15 minute walk. The temple complex, half an acre in area holds 2 temples and a water body. The main temple at the center of the premises is dedicated to Lord Parshuram while his mother Renukas temple is smaller and located just behind it. It is believed by the locals that the Lord stays in the temple during the night and leaves in the morning for Mahendra Mountain, his abode of worship. 


There is a huge reservoir of water inside the premises. It is believed that this water gushed out of the earth when it was pierced by the Lords arrow. Both the temples in the Complex are equally ancient in origin but the more interesting part for a casual tourist would be the images carved on the Pillars of his Mother Renukas temple. 




Some of the inscriptions are related to Hindu Gods and Goddesses which can be deciphered easily, some though are a bit difficult to comprehend and would leave you guessing on their origins …..

A God seen above lifting an Elephant in each hand……a similar image is seen on an adjacent wall but this God is 2 Headed (Heading Photo). Is this a symbolic image or something beyond our world........ancient Aliens anyone?

Below is seen a man with a strange Headgear probably playing a musical instrument or smoking a long pipe....?



 An ancient inscription at the Entrance, the script appears to be in Sanskrit and could be regarding the origins of the temple








Most probably an image of Lord Siva …again one which is seen rarely with 4 arms one of which holds the Head of a Demon     



An image of Lord Hanuman seen destroying an enemy

 
 
A peculiar symbol resembling a Swastika but an enquiry with a local priest could not get us an answer …….this image again appears twice, once on a  Pillar and on the Entrance wall 
 



Of the 2 Gods depicted here, one happens be Hanuman but there is no story or scripture which mentions him being lifted on the palm of another God 







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