Kakanmath Sihoniya, Suhaniya (ancient Siṁhapānīya),
Morena District, Madhya Pradesh, India- Parmar RohitKumar
Pic 1 Front view main temple, Kakanmath
The Siva temple Kakanmath at Sihoniya, Suhaniya (ancient Siṁhapānīya) in Morena District (Madhya Pradesh) was built by Kachchhapaghata (tortoise killer) dynasty ruler Kirttiraja (A.D. 1015-1035) in 1015 AD to fulfill the wish of Queen Kakanwati. The local lore also goes that Tomar rulers built the Kakanmath temple.
Sihoniya was the capital of Kushwaha kingdom, established in 11th century (1015 to 1035 AD).
A Kachchhapaghata inscription at the Sas-Bahu Temple, Gwalior states that Kirttiraja built an extraordinary temple devoted to Parvati’s lord (Shiva) at Siṁhapānīya (modern Sihoniya).
The overall effect of the towering structure in the middle of fields fascinates visitors. The temple complex originally had a central temple surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. However, only ruins of the central temple, spread over two floors/stories stand now. The outer walls, balconies and a part of its sikhara (peak) have fallen.
Pic 2 Rear view main temple, Kakanmath
The structure and design of Kakanmath is similar to temples at Khajuraho. The structure of the temple is pyramid-like with a pillared corridor (possibly covered) leading to the central shrine.
The sikhara (peak), shorn of most of its ornamental veneering stones, is about 30 metre high. Of the mandapa roof only the upper storey of its central part has survived.
Part of the fallen sikhara is found abandoned at the entrance (right side) and needs to be restored.
Pic 3 Fallen part of sikhara, Kakanmath
Entrance to the main temple is through a short flight of steep stairs. The steps had two large lion statues, which are stated to be located at the entrance of the Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. Many other sculptures of Kakanmath are also exhibited Gwalior.
Pic 4 Short flight of steep stairs, Kakanmath
As per the inscription in Gwalior, the temple is devoted to Siva and there are several sculptures indicative of this. This area (Morena and neighbouring districts) is replete with temples dedicated to Siva. The main temple has a Siva ling with a cobra snake, similar to the one in Gwalior Fort.
Pic 5 Shiva ling in the main sanctorum, Kakanmath
The clarity of scales on the hood of the Cobra exhibits fine sculpting.
Pic 6 Cobra snake on Shiva ling in the main sanctorum, Kakanmath
Red colour on the wall (inside of the rear outermost wall of the main sanctum) reflects the practice of applying vermillon/ sindoor on temple walls.
Pic 7 Red colour on the wall (inside of the rear outermost wall of the
main sanctum), Kakanmath
The temple stands on a lofty base/ courtyard with large capacity, possibly built for social/ religious congregations like the Siva-ratri. However, in the absence of references as inscriptions or in other form, the same does not appear to have been frequently used. This author, however, found small groups/families from the adjoining area/districts visiting the temple, indicating that it had local following.
Pic 8 Base/ courtyard of the main temple, Kakanmath
At one end of the base/ courtyard is an ornate gateway mukhamandapa (partly restored) approached from the east by a ramp.
Pic 9 Ornate gateway, Kakanmath
Pillars and walls of the temple have rich sculpture, reflecting the skills of the times, backed by resources of the area. A little Ganesh sculpting on a wall has very fine design of jewellery and a snake wrapped round his wrist and resting on his belly/stomach.
Pic 10 Little Ganesh with fine jewellery and a snake, Kakanmath
There is a passage/path for parikrama, a practice adopted by devotees while visiting temples, with rich sculpture. The entire structure of the sanctum has beautifully sculpted stone pillars and beams that support it. At the intersection of the pillars and beams, there are (ornate) arch projections to support any dislocation to the building, which in the present temple appear to have held strong, while the rest of the structure was damaged.
Pic 11 Rich sculpture on pillars and beams in the main sanctum, Kakanmath
In the path of the parikrama, is also sculpted the mouth of a ferocious looking animal to facilitate the outflow of water, offered to the siva ling in the main sanctum. There are similar sculptures in other temples.
Pic 12 Mouth of a ferocious animal to facilitate outflow of water from the siva ling, Kakanmath
The most prized sculpture, possibly of a lady with a missing head, but a torso which is adorned with finely designed necklaces, bangles, kamarband (waistband), other chains till the knees. Sculpture suggesting use of such jewellery suggests a progressive and rich society.
Pic 13 Statute with finely designed necklaces, bangles, kamarband, Kakanmath
The temple is stated to be originally encircled by subsidiary shrines. One of the smaller shrines is a stand-alone Siva linga. This author has during visits to several temples (Ranakpur, Dilwara, Other Jain Temples in Abu, Saas-Bahu, Ramappa and the thousand pillar temple) found that there is a smaller temple in the same compound as the main temple. This could be a trial temple or a temple for the use of other members of the society.
Pic 14 Stand-alone Siva linga at the entrance, Kakanmath
Finally, within the compound are several damaged pieces waiting to be restored and loosing time and possibly relevance.
Pic 15 damaged pieces damaged pieces, Kakanmath
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