Laxminarayan Temple
¤ The Construction of The
Temple
The beautiful Laxminarayan Temple was built circa a.d. 1622 by Vir
Singh Deo, but soon fell into disrepair because of inadequate
maintenance. Extensively renovated by Prithvi Singh in 1793, the
temple has a rectangular plan with four multi-faced projecting
bastions at its four corners. Built with lime mortar and bricks, the
temple resembles a fort, with slots for cannons to fire at the enemy.
 ¤
The Intricate Work of The Temple
In the temple are jali (lattice) windows for letting in a bit of
sunlight and fresh air. This may seem quite unusual for a Hindu
temple. Carved designs are arranged in a geometrical form in the
temple, and below the parapets are vistas of the life and times of
Lord Krishna, decorated with patterns of animals and flowers. The
inner portion of the temple is adorned with murals that integrate both
the Mughal and Bundela schools of painting in a charming mix. The
themes are based on Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana, and the poet,
Tulsidas’, Ram Charitra Manas.
¤ Temple Dedicated To Hindu Goddess Laxmi
The temple was built in honour of Laxmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth.
In the temple’s inner sanctum, Vir Singh built a peeth, or seat,
for offering sacrifices to Laxmi. In this temple, sacrifices are made
in a manner similar to those of the Tantrik cult. Tantra can best be
described as a yoga of action, not abstract contemplation. Instead of
denying themselves worldly pleasures, tantriks strive to gain the
maximum pleasure from them. The realisation of their enjoyment reaches
such a crescendo that the energy released can carry consciousness to
the peak of enlightenment. Elaborate rituals and body magic,
especially sexual intercourse, mark the cult.
The altar of the Laxminarayan Temple is constructed in the shape of a
yoni (vulva). The temple has no idol of the goddess, but as it is
dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, it is known as the Laxmi Temple. However,
images of the two lovers, Radha and Lord Krishna, can be found in the
shrine. An apartment that was built much later has wall paintings
depicting India’s first battle for independence, fought in 1857.
These portray another Laxmi, a mortal but a goddess in the art of
warfare, Rani Laxmibai, who played a sterling role in resisting
British might during the revolt. |
