Author: Hiral Dave
Publication: Expressindia.com
Date: February 6, 2009
URL: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/historic-dwarkadheesh-temple-to-get-protection-from-natures-elements/419884/
The historic Dwarkadheesh Temple, situated
in the ancient town of Dwarka on the banks of the Gomti, will soon have protection
from the vagaries of weather, age and bio-degradation. The Archaeological
Survey of India is carrying out chemical treatment on the 1,400-year-old nij
mandir, the main temple structure.
A chemical coating of the outer walls was
first done in 2005. Now, the inner walls and the inside will also be covered
with a chemical coat. Besides, old stones with decayed or damaged edges are
also being replaced with new ones. The two processes are expected to strengthen
the structure, which is a centre of worship to Lord Krishna for crores of
devotees.
The ASI had given a chemical treatment to
the medieval structure's five smaller shrines and a part of the temple complex
earlier too, but this is the first time that the main temple is being taken
up for preservation.
"This is for the first time that chemical
treatment on the inside walls are been carried out," said S Shivanand,
the Superintendent of Archaeological Survey of India (Gujarat).
The preservation, which will be carried out
in various phases, began in late January, and by March-end, the entire complex
is expected to get a chemical coat. ASI officials said the coating will protect
the temple from saline water, rain and fungus. "We have begun scrubbing
the temple walls to remove dust and other chemical deposition. This will be
followed by fungicide and paper-pulp treatment, to be followed by a final
coat," said an official.
The ASI had been carrying out laboratory tests
in the past to decide the right chemicals for use. Chemical compositions of
various solutions vary as per the geographical situation of the monument as
well as for the outer and inner walls. Here, chemicals, which will protect
the temple especially from saline water, are being used. But this composition
is different from what was used earlier for the outer walls.
Several skilled labourers under the guidance
of expert chemists from the ASI have been working at the site for a couple
of days now. The job is a bit challenging as the temple is located 40 feet
from the sea and is 157 feet high. The idol of Dwarkadheesh is placed in the
five-storeyed shikhar.
Other shrines have an average height of 50
feet. The ASI has ensured that the preservation work does not disrupt the
temple activities.
An architectural marvel
The 1,400-year-old Dwarkadheesh Temple is
an architectural marvel showcasing the rule of various dynasties like the
Guptas, Pallavas, Chavdas, Martraks and the Chanakyas.
The temple has 60 intricately carved pillars,
which display hint of Greek influence. The pillars have been carved from a
single rock.
The temple, spread 90 feet across in the east-west
direction and 70 feet in the north-south direction, has no arches. According
to mythology, Lord Vishwakarma built the temple in a single night.
According to recent history, Maharaja Gaekwad
had arranged to keep the golden pitcher on the temple's summit, and the Shankaracharya
had renovated the temple in 1958.
