ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENT OF CHAUHANS OF SAMBALPUR- A STUDY INTO ASHTASAMBHU TEMPLES

Shaivism, since its inception, has remained not only as a set of code for religious practice but also as a philosophy of life for the people. It is a pre- Aryan conception as revealed by the archaeologists and Historians remnants of Indus valley civilization. Shaivism has evolved as a popular cult since then and it is still a prominent religious faith among the people. Shiva's Panchakshari mantra and Mrutunjay mantra is the life line for Rishi, Tapaswi Deva, Danav, Manav and Asuras . God Shiva, popularly known as Bholababa, easily gets pleased and offers boon or benediction to his devotees irrespective of any category who invokes Him. This cult is so popular that today in every village there is at least one Shiva temple one can find. The construction of Ashtasambhu temples at different places in Sambalpur district during Chauhan dynasty (1670-1848) is attributed to the popularity of Shaivism. They are Kedarnath Temple at Ambabhona, Baidyanath Temple at Deogaon, Balunkeswar Temple at Gaisama, Swapneswar Temple at Sorna, Vishweswar Temple at Soranda, Nilakantheswar Temple at Niljee, Bimaleswar Shiva temple at Huma and Mandhata Baba Temple at Maneswar. Ajit Singh introduced “Sitalsasthi Yatra” a unique form of Divine Wedding in humanistic form to live popularity of Shaivism.