Temple Architecture and Iconography of Babour and Panjnara temples in Jammu Region

Abstract or Introduction

In Jammu region śikhara temples both of ancient and recent origin are very common. These vary in regard to as they possess only the sanctuary or more parts of a typical śikhara temple. Some of the temple consist of a single cella in which the idol is housed and have an enter room or maṇdapa. The ancient temples, however, are entered through an ornamented porch usually supported by two pillars. The early medieval temples in Jammu region are two types.
Firstly, ṭṛiratha embellished by a variety of carvings and architectural designs as in the case of temples at Krimachi and most probably the Devi shrine at Babour.
The second type to be seen in all other temples at Babour, which are not ṭṛiratha in construction but are equally decorated with carved embellishments and architectural design.
The temple of recent origin do not possess such outer formalities except that they have large curvilinear śikharas with a small melon-type amalaka or simply a bhumi in some cases on the highest narrow point to serve as base for a metallic kalaśa, set of three ghātās diminishing upwards, topped by a lotus bud pointed upwards. The lower portion or janghā is invariably a rectangular construction, all constructed out of bricks, leaving no scope for carved embellishment, but only for architectural designs, embellishing niches, projections like eves, bandhanas, ardha- śikharas and the like.