Mundeswari Temple : One Of The Oldest Temples in The World
Doodlebrary
- The Mundeswari Temple, located in the Kaimur district of Bihar, India, is considered one of the oldest functional temples in the country.
- Dating back to around 625 CE, it is dedicated to the worship of Shakti, in the form of Goddess Mundeswari, and Lord Shiva.
- The temple is unique for several reasons:
- Architectural Style: The temple showcases an early example of the Nagara style of temple architecture, which later became dominant in North India. Despite being partially ruined, the temple retains its grandeur with intricately carved stonework.
- Continuous Worship: The temple has been a site of continuous worship for over a millennium, making it one of the oldest continuously operational temples in India.
- Dual Deities: While the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mundeswari, it also houses a Shiva Lingam, representing Lord Shiva. This duality of worship is somewhat unusual in Hindu temples.
- Octagonal Structure: The Mundeswari Temple is unique in its octagonal shape, which is quite rare in Indian temple architecture. This adds to the temple’s architectural significance.
- Ancient Inscriptions: The temple complex contains several inscriptions in the Brahmi script, offering insights into the region’s history and religious practices.
- Religious Significance: The temple is particularly revered during the festival of Vijayadashami (Dussehra), when devotees flock to seek blessings from the goddess for victory and success.
- The Mundeswari Temple is not just a religious site but also an important piece of India’s cultural and architectural heritage.
