Meteorologist Lord Jagannath.

 

Indian land has a number of temples that piqued the interest of scientists, historians, and devotees for centuries. Uttering the name Jagannath, the first scene that comes to mind is that of Puri. A huge temple with 16.84 square kilometers of land will pop into one’s thoughts. The Shree Mandir in Puri was established by king Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva around the 12^th century. But the temple I am talking about positioned itself in the timeline way before the establishment of the Shree Mandir.

A most curious and the only metrological temple that has the uncanny ability to accurately forecast rainfall in the region. Located in the quaint village of Behta Bujurg in Ghatampur tehsil of Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

Fig 1: Monsoon Temple

Villagers report that water droplets start to drip from the Monsoon Patthar (That have been placed thousands of years ago in the ceiling over the garbha griha.) about 7 days before the onset of rain. The number and size of the water droplets is an indication of the intensity of the rainfall expected. The larger the size and number of droplets, the heavier the rainfall. Small droplets indicate scattered showers or a drought-like condition. No water drips mean severe drought for the year.

Fig 2: Temple ceilling

Farmers in a radius of 50km assiduously prepare their land and make necessary arrangements for sowing in accordance with this forecast only. Scientists and researchers have conducted many experiments and investigations but have left flummoxed. The most fascinating aspect is that the ceiling becomes totally dry the moment it starts raining. There is no discernible source of water anywhere near this stone and even in the scorching summer, water droplets appear from nowhere prophesying the rains.

From afar, this temple looks like a Buddhist Stupa but on closer inspection chakra and peacock motifs are visible on the façade. There is no consensus among historians about its construction. Some say it was probably built during either the Gupta period or perhaps sometime during 2000 BCE but the markings of chakra and peacock are indicative of Chakravarthi Harshavardhana of the Vardhana dynasty. Another painting found inside the sanctum sanctorum suggests somewhere between the 2 -4th centuries. It is likely that successive kings like the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty and the Chandelas added to the existing structure. One thing is certain though is that this temple is thousands of years old and has not been restored since the 11th century.

Fig 3: Outside view of temple

The temple appears like a chariot in the center with lotus petalled-shaped walls on the four corners. The interesting aspect is that when you look at the temple from the front, you will see only one dome-like structure but if you walk around to the back, it appears to be two. The temple premises are around 100 feet by 70 feet and the main temple sits on an 8 feet high platform. The main entrance is from the east. Walls are said to be 14 feet thick which is highly uncommon. Locals say that chuna patthar (limestone) has been used in its construction. This temple has been built in three parts probably three different times. Statues of Lakshmana and Lord Vishnu are seen on the walls of the mandapa. There are stunning sculptures on the twelve decorated pillars and there is an unusual massive boulder outside the temple which no one is able to fathom.

Fig 4: Temple Pillar 

Fig 5: Carvings on the outer wall.

Fig 6: Statue carvings on the outer wall.

The main idol of Lord Jagannath is almost 6 -7 feet high in black stone. Subhadra Devi and Lord Balabhadra are on either side of Lord Jagannath. There are carvings depicting the Dasha Avatara of Lord Vishnu on the black stone behind Lord Jagannath. The stone at the ceiling of the temple has broken into two with one in its actual place and the other along with a pillar that appears to be of the Gupta era lying outside in the courtyard. A rare Panchamukha Ganesha idol is also believed to be kept somewhere in the temple. There are many images both inside the temple and in the courtyard that are beautiful like the idol on the south side which appears to be of Lord Vishnu, 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, an idol of Suryadev, and an image of Lord Padmanabha Swami. 

Fig 7: Stone idol of Lord Jagannath.

Fig 8: Stone idol of Lord Balaram.

Fig 9: Stone idol of Devi Subhadra.

Fig 10: Varaha avatar carving on the interior wall.

Fig 11: Kalki avatar carving on the interior wall.

Fig 12: Padmanabha Swami statue.

Fig 13: A large chunk of ceilling slab fell & lie outside.

A small shiv temple is also present on the main temple premises. There is an old well that is about 100 feet deep which is believed to have been there since ancient times.

The small stone carved Jagannath is taken out and Rathyatra is celebrated every year with great grace

Fig 14: Shiv Mandir.

Fig 15: Rathyatra.

This monument is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

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