“Details of the Panchmandir” by Vaidurya Pratap Sahi

The Panchmandir, at Tamkuhi Raj (Kushinagar), in its form today is a result of contributions from many Kings and their creative vision.
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In its original form, Panchmandir was a Shivala [1] commissioned by Raja Dalip Sahi. However, he passed away during its construction and his wife Rani Usmed Kuer supervised it to completion. 

​When Raja Kharag Bahadur Sahi assumed his role after Raja Dalip Sahi, he expanded the temple by adding more shrines thereby turning a Shivala into a Panchmandir [2].
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Though minor additions were contributed by the successive Rajas, nothing was built until the 1930s. During the reign of Raja Indrajeet Pratap Sahi, a hall was constructed for religious discourses and the sanctum sanatorium was beautified with paintings covering the ceiling. 

​After him, not many changes have been added to the temple until now. With the history of the temple explored, let me inform you about the shrines. As mentioned, the temple is devoted to Shiva and Parvati and therefore are present in the central hall of the temple. 

​Attached to the four corners of the central hall are rooms devoted to Goddess Durga [3], Surya, Ganesha [4], and Krishna (along with Radha) [5]. ​In the eastern verandah at the entrance are statues of Goddess Ganga and Lord Hanuman [6]. The verandah facing the north connecting has the deities of Shaligram [7], Hanuman, and also old Yantras [8].

Nandi and the Shivalinga in the main hall. View from the East verandah.

Notes

1. A temple devoted to Lord Shiva, one of the trinities according to the Sanatan Dharma.
2. A form of temple which is based on the Panchayatana system of worship. Under this system five dieties namely Shiva, Durga/Shakti, Vishnu (represented sometimes as Rama or Krishna), Surya (Sun) and Ganesha are assigned a place each in a temple.
3. A form of Goddess Shakti (Devi), who rides a lion.
4. Child of goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. He has the head of an elephant and rides on a mouse.
5. The incarnation of Lord Vishnu
6. He comes from the story of Ramayana. He assisted Sri Rama and Laxman during their search for Sita. According to the story he is a monkey.
7. Black fossilized stones which are worshiped as symbols of Lord Vishnu.
8. These are geometrical shapes carved out (either on metals or drawn on clothes) and are used to worship deities.

Team

1. Contributor:
   Vaidurya Pratap Sahi
   
   
2. Editors:
   ​Ahna Sahi &
   Sree Raj
   ​
3. Photographer:
   Vaidurya Pratap Sahi

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