KONCHESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE, AN ANCIENT SURVIVING TEMPLE

 

Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865)

The temple is one of the few surviving ancient Hindu Temple in a small 'market town' of Konch CD Block under Tekari subdivision in Gaya District of Bihar state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and inspite of its historicity and beauty, the place is very less visited even by the local people and is one of the lesser known tourist destinations. The temple was built in Nagara style in 8th century AD.

 

Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865)

Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Joseph David Begglar in 1870s.)

The temple's remain was first noticed and described by 'Buchanan', during his survey of Gaya District on 3rd December 1811. The temple also finds its mention by several other surveyors/travellers, who visited the site during the "Raj" like Cunningham, Thomas F Peppe etc. Even the local residence are not much aware of the historicity and the heritage value of the temple. The temple site houses beautiful "Vishnu Dashawatar" sculptures. There are various Buddhist sculptures along with statues of Hindu deity. There exists a pond in close proximity of the temple.

 

Present View of the temple (Source: Online)

According to Thomas Fraser Peppé, the Konch temple has curved sides in the upper portion without any niches. He wrote, 'The west side of the temple has been much damaged by the heavy rains, and large masses keep falling year by year. Unless something is done, this fine temple will soon be a mass of rubbish'. Further, the temple was restored (exact year unknown).

Author: Abhishek Kumar, Dated 20th day of January 2022.

Copyright @ Abhishek Kumar


Comments

  1. Unknown10 February 2022 at 15:29

    I have also visited this temple. Nice piece of information👍

    ReplyDelete

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