Jignasa Journal Of History Of Ideas And Culture Part 02

Author(s): Vibha Upadhyaya and Others
Publisher: University of Rajasthan

Page 24

240 / Jinasa
31. Goddess Vikatā of Harshanatha, Sikar
R.C. Agrawal
The 10th Century Siva Temple of Harshanātha is situated at a distance of about 8 miles from Sikap town of Rajasthan. It preserves elegant specimens of art and architecture. A number of eminent scholars like DR Bhandarkar Stella Kranrisch, K. Deva, M. Meister, M. Dhaky have highlighted its i portance. On the hill above is situated the Siva temple of great iconographic and architectural importance. The sanctumoribis Saiva edifice preserves, on its walls, beautiful sculptures of Nāyikäs and that of standing Godhasama rie. Farveti parforming penance all bearing their identifications
The inscribed slab (3x33') of black stone of Vikrama year 1030, from the Harsha Temple, is now preserved in the Govt. Museum at Sikar. It is a big Prasasti having an important bearing on the political history and art data. The name ni Pasupatācharya Allata is very important; he got the temple built, he was the guiding force. Line Il of this inscription refers to well carved sculptures of Vikatā, Pändputras (i.e., Pandavas), Torana dvāra and Nandi bull, which are still visible at the site. This juscription nighlights Siva but does not forget his wife Pārvati. She was bent upon performing penance (tapa) under great ordeal. That is why she is named Tapasvini: she is called Vikatā (fane) in this very inscription
The epithet Vikata is also alluded on the pedestal (below the seated female attendant) to the left of the colossal sculpture of Pārvati iu the sanctum of this very temple. I examined the small inscription Vika'a many times. The reading was confirmed by many scholars like K. Deva and Neelima Vas shtha. It is a pity that some mischief mongers have rubbed off this small inscription of three letters: vestiges are still to be scar. Very much beneath the image of Pārvati are a few letters' PA, PU, DA, (v) probably marks of some mason or architect.
The existence of the word Vikarā on the pedestal and also in the inscription of V.S. 1030 cited above, is of great relevance. The prasati kara emphatically used an unusual term Vikață and so also in the small inscription on the pedestal of Gauri, standing on the 'iguana' (godhā) in a traditional manner. The Agni Kuud as tlanking her and Lakulisa - Ganesa seated above on both sides, justifying that the Goddess is none else but Tapasvini Pärvati.
D.R. Bhandarkar identified the goddess as ogress Hidimbās. That is not a cogent suggestion in the light of other sculptural details cited above in line 11 of this very inscription of V.S. 1030. I was