Bhubaneswar: In the aftermath of the destruction of Konark temple, the idol of Sun god was shifted to Srimandir and placed inside what is known as Indra temple. The Sun idol was installed on the lap of Indra’s idol and the consecration was done by the then Maratha rulers when the Bhoi dynasty was ruling over Khurda.
When the Aruna Stamba (Sun tower) became redundant after the demolition of Sun temple, it was proposed to be shifted to Srimandir. The tower, a 34-ft high granite pillar, reminds one of a symbolic tradition of vehicles (bahana) of gods and goddesses such as bull for Lord Shiva, mouse for Ganesha and Lion for Devi Durga. Likewise, the idol of Aruna with folded hands on the top of the pillar was placed outside the Sun temple. However, when the Konark temple crumbled, the Marathas decided to shift it to Srimandir.
According to Pandits, as Aruna Stamba represents Sun god, it was placed in front of Singhadwar. Since then, the pillar has become an essential feature of the 12th Century shrine.
The worship of Sun god is deeply ingrained in the Srimandir tradition as is evident in the Sanskrit hymn:
“Dhyeyah Sada Sabiturmandalmadhyabartti Narayanaha Sarasijasanasannibistaha” (Amidst the solar hallow dwells the Almighty).
The consecration of Aruna pillar took place during the British Raj, though Dibyasinghadeb-II was the Gajapati ruler of the period.
Garuda Stamba forms the quintessential part of Srimandir which has been installed in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
According to Madala Panji, the construction of the temple was completed during the tenure of Anangabhimadeb. There were two Anangabhimadebs who ruled the kingdom after Chodagangadeb who built the Jagannath temple. It is believed that Anangabhimadeb-II might have built the Garuda pillar inside the temple as he was leading a spiritual life.
He had also consecrated the idols of Shankarshan and Subhadra in the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.
Garuda pillar epitomizes true love and dedication of the ‘being’ towards the Lord. Devotees pay obeisance to the pillar before they pray to the deities. The devotees get solace by embracing the pillar.
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