One of the most mysterious temples of the late 11th century – early 12th century in the former kingdom of Haihaiyavanshi commissioned by Raja Jajjalladeva I of the Kalachuris of Ratnapura is the incomplete Vishnu Mandir at Janjgir. Locals say that this temple was actually constructed in two parts but the temple remained unfinished as the assembly could not be done.
This temple located by Bhima Talab is known locally as Nakata Mandir or Nakta Mandir. This east – facing temple sits on a high platform whose sides are adorned with intricately carved panels depicting stories from the Ramayana.
The most noteworthy are the hunt for the golden deer by Prabhu Sri Rama along with Sita Mata and Lakshmana and the piercing of seven trees with a single arrow by Prabhu Sri Rama. Stories from Srimad Bhagavatha Mahapurana like Vasudeva carrying baby Krishna from prison and others have been carved to perfection.
The temple is built of locally sourced red sandstone. The temple on plan has a few steps leading to the antarala and the garbha griha that is designed as a pancharatha. The presence of short pillars at the antarala suggests that a mukha mandapa was also planned but not executed.
The entrance doorway is truly an artistic and architectural masterpiece exuding grandeur, charm and elegance. The door frame has three bands, three toranas and two tall and broad pillars on the sides. Each and every inch of this door jamb is a visual spectacle with embellishments, decorative motifs and patterns, carvings and sculptures.
The harmonious composition of life – size figures of Ganga and Yamuna and the dwarapalakas, bands of snakes, manibandha, patravali and miniature niches inset with gods and goddesses and forms of Bhagawan Vishnu is stunning to look at. Bhagawan Brahma and Bhagawan Shiva are seen on either side of Chaturbhuja Vishnu on the lintel along with the Navagrahas.
Elephants, swans and figures are seen in the bottom panel of the entrance doorway. The pilasters seen inside support a receding roof panel of an eight – petalled lotus.
The external facades and shikhara are profusely decorated with floral, foliage and geometrical patterns, repetitive elements, auspicious Hindu iconography, miniature niches inset with gods and goddesses like Bhagawan Surya, Bhagawan Brahma, dancing Ganesha and forms of Bhagawan Vishnu like Varaha, Vamana and Narasimha, musicians, apsaras, Ashtadikpalakas, mithunas, sages and others.
It is unclear why this temple has been abandoned for centuries and relegated to obscurity. Stories about a competition between Vishwakarma and Bhima and Bhagawan Vishnu choosing between this temple and the Sheorinarayana Temple will keep you enthralled.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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