The Eastern Ganga dynasty reigned from Kalinga and their rule consisted of the parts of the modern day Indian states of Orissa, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh from the 11th century to the early 15th century[1]. Their capital was known by the name Kalinganagar, which is the modern Srimukhalingam in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh bordering Orissa. Today they are most remembered as the builders of the Konark Sun Temple a World Heritage site at Konark, Orissa. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1264). This dynasty was founded by King Anantavarma Chodaganga Deva (1078–1147). He was a religious person and a patron of art and literature. He is credited for having built the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri in Orissa.[2][3]
King Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was succeeded by a long line of illustrious rulers such as Narasimhadeva I (1238-1264). The rulers of Eastern Ganga dynasty defended their kingdom from the constant attacks of the Muslim rulers. This kingdom prospered through trade and commerce and the wealth was mostly used in the construction of temples. The rule of the dynasty came to end under the reign of King Bhanudeva IV (1414-34), in the early 15th century.[4]
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Anantavarma Chodaganga
Chodaganga Deva (1077-1150), the greatest of the Ganga kings, built a new temple on the ruins of the old one. It is said that King Chodaganga was originally a Shaivite who became a Vaishnava under the influence of Ramanuja when he visited Jagannath Puri. From various inscriptions it is known that King Anantavarma Codaganga Deva established the present temple some time near the end of the eleventh century. A copper plate inscription made by King Rajaraja III found on the Tirumala temple near the north entrance states that the temple was built by Gangesvara, i.e., Anantavarma Chodaganga Deva
Previous king thought themselves incapable of building an appropriate temple to Lord Purushottam whose feet cover the three worlds, whose navel contains the entire sky, whose ears contain all the directions, whose eyes are the sun and moon, and whose head is the heaven above. The task that they had thus neglected was finally completed by Gangesvara.
Lord Purushottam had been sad and ashamed while living in the ocean of milk, in the house where Lakshmi had taken birth even though he was well-treated by his father-in-law. He thus preferred to have a new home on the shore of the salt ocean, seeing which he became joyful. Lakshmi Devi also happily left the home of her father and came to her husband’s new mansion.
Later, King Ananga Bhima Deva II (1170-1198) did much to continue the work of Chodaganga Deva, building the walls around the temple and many of the other shrines on the temple grounds. He is thus often considered one of the builders of the temple. He also did much to establish the regulations around the service to the Deity.
Rulers
- Anantavarma Chodaganga (1078-1147)
- Anangabhima Deva III (1211-38)
- Narasimha I (1238-64)
- Bhanudeva I (1264-79)
- Narasimha II (1279-1306)
- Bhanudeva II (1306-28)
- Narasimha III (1328-52)
- Bhanudeva III (1352-78)
- Narasimha IV (1378-1414)
- Bhanudeva IV (1414-34)
See also
References
External links
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