Laxmi-Narayan Mandir at Sakkardara: A lost heritage
23 Nov 2020 11:10:41
Ancient structure of the temple is converted into cement.
By Rajendra Diwe :
“Laxmi-Narayan Mandir in Sakkardara is a class example of our apathy for preserving our own heritage. The ancient temple constructed in 1791 by Raghuji Raje Bhosale, now has lost its heritage value as the renovation of the temple with cement has been started done,” said noted indologist and promoter of Warsa Darshan, Dr Sheshshayan Deshmukh. During the visit of Warsa Darshan at the temple site, the participants observed the ancient sabhamandap had wooden carved pillars. Now the pillars are replaced by cement concrete columns.” Narrating the history of temple, Dr Deshmukh mentioned, “Raje Raghuji Bhonsale (II) had finalised the land to construct the said Laxmi-Narayan temple in 1787.
The period of three years was required for the construction of this temple. On September 19, 1787, the idols of Laxmi-Narayan with the height of one meter and Garuda were brought. In 1791, Raghuji Raje Bhonsale (II) donated Golden Crown to the temple. The present entrance gate recalls there would have been huge prakara at all four sides in old days. Opposite entrance and beyond the present road, there is a lake. The black stone was used for the construction and the temple is facing towards east.” Dr Deshmukh stated, “ The area of temple is 26X3.5 metres. The temple has no Jagati and adhisthan belongs to Kamadapeeth class. Only Kirtimukh is present on Adhisthan, while Gajadhar and Ashwadhar are not visible.
Pranal is present in south direction and two statues of elephants were placed on the three sides. The elephants on South are there but others are destroyed.” “The temple design is Garbhagruha, Antaral and Sabhamandap. Wooden carved pillars were replaced by cement concrete columns. Only some stone bases of some pillars are seen. The new Sabhamandap is measuring 20X18.5 metres with 16 circular cement columns. Attractive idols of Laxmi Narayan are seen on Bhadrapeeth in Garbhagruha and eight pillars are there in Antaral,” he added.