Symbols of Kangra Paintings at Narmadeshwar Temple

1.Paintings on the Walls of the temple

The Narbadsahwar or Narmadeshwar temple, a great legacy of Kangra art left behind by Maharaja Sansar Chand (1774- 1823), one of the mightiest king of the hills, needs proper conservation. The temple built by the king in the capital town of Sujanpur Tihra in memory of his mother queen Prasani Devi is an example of exquisite art in perfection. The wall paintings by the well known painter in the court of Raja Sansar Chand named Manku and his family members represent the climax of Kangra School of paintings. Every square inch of the inside wall of the temple is an embodiment of splendid art in color.

2. Narmadeshwar Temple

The temple is situated on the left bank of the Beas River. On either side of the entrance gate of the temple there are two stone idols of Bhagwan Mahavir and Bhairon. There are four small temples on each corner of the Narbadsahwer temple. The idols of Sun, Ganapati, Durga and Radha Krishna have been installed in each of these temples.

Narbadeshwar Linga or phallic symbol, the main idol has been installed in central cabin. Facing this idol above on the wall is a painting depicting the incident of the wedlock ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Other wall paintings represent the anecdotes from Bhagwat Purana, Upnishadas and from other mythical literature. The paintings of Nath sect and Guru Nanak Dev have also been painted besides the pictures from the regal life of the king.

3 Miniature Paintings on the Ceilings of the Temple

Though the painting done in this temple are the highest landmark of Kangra School of paintings, yet the conditions of these paintings for the want of care are in bad shape.

Not long ago the interior walls of this temple were got dusted and brush cleaned, but the cleaning operation had done more harm to the color patterns than any good. At places the color stands rubbed off and the wall paintings are permanently damaged.

Not many people visit this temple. Not even the lovers of art are aware that the temple where the maximum work of Kangra art is visible on the walls of the temple is decaying in obscurity. A slender and bushy path through a dirty lane connects the temple with the outer world.

If the archaeological survey and the state govt. do not take much interest in the proper preservation of the work of art, the main source of Kangra paintings will become a thing of the past.
1. Photo Credit- 123himachal.com
Image URL- http://123himachal.com/prbali21.jpg
2. Photo Credit- http://hphamirpur.nic.in/
Image URL- http://hphamirpur.nic.in/images/narvd.jpg
3. Photo Credit- 123himachal.com