365bet

Shaivacintamani (analytical study)

by Swati Sucharita Pattanaik | 2022 | 84,311 words

This page relates ‘Shaiva traditions and legends of Bhubaneswar� of the English study on the Shaivacintamani—an unstudied text on Shaiva or Shiva worship by Lakshmidhara Mishra, written in the late 17th century and edited for the first time in 1994 by Shri Dukhisyam Pattanaik from the Orissa State Museum. The present research aims to offer a comprehensive study of the Saivacintamani, filling the knowledge gap by being the first to provide in-depth analysis and commentary.

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Part 1.2 - Ś traditions and legends of Bhubaneswar

Ի, an orthodox text states about the geographical situation of the ṣeٰ (Bhubaneshwar) that, this ṣeٰ starts from Khaṇḍagiri to ṇḍś Ѳ𱹲 and from Balahadevi to Bahiraṅgeśvara mahādeva and Kuṇḍaleśvara Ѳ𱹲 and from Balahadevi to Bahiraṅgeśvara Ѳ𱹲 and formed a circle and gives auspicious result and placed different types of sacred īٳ󲹲 famous as an incomparable Ś ṣeٰ in the world. The shadow of this Mango tree of the ṣeٰ is extended up to one mile. The branches of this tree are extended from ܲԻ岹ś (the Ś installed in modern Sundarpada village) to Megheśvara Mahādev (near 󳾱ś Patna) and formed a Ѳṇḍ like shape.[1]

The name Bhubaneshwar was well known from the Ҳṅg period, although other names were also attributed to this ṣeٰ during that Phase.[2] During this period Bhubaneswar was known as 峾ka, Kīrtivāsa-ṣeٰ, Tribhubaneswar, Svarnakutagiri and Lord Liṅgarāja ṣeٰ. There are also literary descriptions contained in the classical and regional Literature, which states that, Bhubaneshwar was previously known as 峾 ṣeٰ, (ԲԲԲ), ṇādī, 𳾲ṭa, īٳپ or Kīrtivāsa Kataka and Gupta śī or ṇāsī.[3]

Inscriptions of the Ҳṅg period unmistakably refer to Kīrtivāsa as the presiding deity of the ṣeٰ as well as the name of the ṣeٰ. Also, during this period, the name 峾ka the ancient most name of Bhubaneshwar in ancient time and subsequently other names (īٳپ, Tribhubaneshwar and Liṅgarāja-Bhubaneshwar) were given to that sacred site.

Many eminent and renowned historians and archaeologists like, W.W. Hunter, M.M Ganguli, A. Stirliṅga, J. Fergusion, R.L. Mitra, M.M. Chakravarti, R.P Chanda, Percy Brown, V. Dehija and Walter Smith and others have done their research and presented a very good trust worthy account from their stand points. There are Upapus in Odisha describing about the 峾 ṣeٰ or morden Bhubaneswar. These are 峾 ʳܰṇa, Kapila ṃh, ṇād Mahodaya and �峾Candrikā�, and �ṇād Mahodaya� are small in comparision to others. Though ʳܰṇa was published in 1928 by Rathakara Gargabatu, It had some printing mistakes. So after some years Prof. Upendra nath Dhala, the former Professor of PG. Department of Sanskrit, Utkal University edited this with English preface and Published it in 1986.

This book was published by Nag publication and it is praised by many Sanskrit scholars of the world. Similarly, �Kapila ṃh� was published by Ratnakara Gargabatu in 1928. Subsequently it was published by Chaukhamba publication Banāras in the name of �Kapila ʳܰṇa� �Svarnādrī Mahodaya� also published in 1912 by late Ratnakara Gargabatu.

󲹲Ի� was published by Sri Radharamana book store, Ctc, written by Ratnakara Gargabatu in 1931. Now it is available is some old library in Odisha.

In 1995 Sri Nilamani Mishra translated �峾 󲹲Ի� in odia by the ptronisation of Kedārnātha Gabeshana Pratisthan, Bhubaneshwar. Though regarding the naming of “Bhubaneswar� is not found in any archaeological evidences till now but it described as �峾 ṣeٰ� in different ʳܰṇas, Upapus and inscriptions of ancient and medieval period of Odisha. There is mention of �� in Anugul copper plate grant of Shanti Karadeva, the Brahmeśvar temple inscription of Somavaṃś� queen Kalavati devi and Ananta ܻ𱹲 temple inscription of Ҳṅg princess 󲹲Ի ٱī Subsequently Lord Kirtibāsa-Liṅgarāja in the name Tribhubaneshwar Popularised this place as “Bhubaneshwar�.

The Uniqueness of the city of Bhubaneshwar is that ithas continuous history from Pre-historic Period to modern present days capital of Odisha. The temple towns like Aihole, MahābaliPuram and Khajuaho can boast of possessing a number of historical monuments, but they cannot boast of possessing a history as varied and wide as that of Bhubaneswar. Such places of culture as Paṭaliputra (Patna) and Baranasi (Banaras) can claim to have a long and varied history, but they cannot boast of possessing such a remarkable series of ancient monuments as Bhubaneshwar[4] can do.

Traditionally it is believed that, in the հⲹܲ Ś wishing to retire from the hubbub and sin of overcrowded Banaras sought the advice of Nārad and at the suggestion of that sage took up this quiet, secluded, delightful retreat for his abode.[5]

Footnotes and references:

[back to top]

[1]:

峾 󲹲Ի (odia),p-107

[2]:

Bhubaneswar Inscriptions of Anantaverman Chodagaṅga Deva,EI,Vol.XXX,I,P.29-32

[3]:

Bhubaneshwar Abhilekha,p.33

[4]:

Archeological Remains at Bhubaneswar,p.178

[5]:

Temples legends of Orissa, p.3

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: