The Kakanmath temple, sometimes referred to as the Kokanpur Matha temple or Sihoniya Shiva temple, is an early 11th-century five-temples complex of which only the main one has survived in a ruined, shell form. The site is notable for the profuse and elegant Hindu artwork found in its ruins.
<p>The main temple faces east and stands on a large jagati (platform). The original temple was a panchayatana complex of the type taught in Advaita Vedanta literature – a main temple with four subsidiary shrines in the corners. 
</p><p>The main temple is dedicated to Shiva. The remnant trace of the other four temples are visible, and these likely were dedicated to four deities such as Shakti (goddess), Vishnu, Surya and Ganesha. The main temple consists of a multi-storey structure with a mukhamandapa, ardhamandapa, antarala and garbhagriya. With its sandhara design, the pradakshina-patha (circumambulation passage) is on the platform and around the temple's sanctum. The pitha (socle) of the temple is moulded and niches containing Hindu artwork punctuate it.
</p><p>The temple has exceptional quality Hindu artwork, even though much has been deliberately beheaded, defaced and mutilated after the 13th century (as established by inscriptions). 
</p><p>The Kakanmath temple artwork include the Vedic deities, Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Vishnu, Brahma, amorous couples, panels showing scenes from the Hindu epics, secular scenes, and others. The outer walls of the sanctum have artwork in the elevated section, some of which must have been a part of an elaborate sukanasa. Other panels extended above the vimana. These include nymphs and vyalas (leogryphs). The bhadra (cardinal projections) have large but empty niches with phamsana-style pediments. The sanctum doorway has seven sakha (ornate concentric jambs), one of the sakha consists of a large row of deities, flanked by two bands of amorous couples.
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Regional legends attribute this temple to queen Kokanavati, with the original name "Kokanpur-matha mandir" implying that this was a part of a monastery. Another inscription found at the famed Sas-Bahu temple of Gwalior says that Kirtiraja built a "wonderful temple for Parvati's Lord in Simhapaniya that shines like a column of glory"; many scholars equate Sihoniya with Simhapaniya and the "Parvati's Lord temple" with Kankanmath Shiva temple.
<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ms_Sarah_Welch" title="User:Ms Sarah Welch">Ms Sarah Welch</a>
2021-12-16 08:48:02
<span class="int-own-work" lang="en">Own work</span>