Charpatra Mura Temple Ruins: The Earliest Brahmanical Temple of Devaparvata
The Charpatra Mura archaeological site provides valuable insight into the early history of Brahmanical religious architecture in the region of ancient Samatata (present day south-eastern Bangladesh). Archaeological excavations at the site revealed the ruins of a rectangular temple structure measuring approximately 45.7 meters by 16.8 meters.
Historians generally date the temple to the 10th–11th centuries CE, although some evidence suggests that the structure may have continued to be used for religious purposes beyond that time. The discovery is particularly important because the ruins are considered the earliest known Brahmanical architectural edifice discovered in this region.
Architectural Layout of the Temple
The temple complex was built with two main sections that reflect traditional Brahmanical temple design.
A. Eastern Section – Pillared Hall
The eastern side of the structure contained an open pillared hall. This area likely served as a gathering place where devotees could assemble before entering the sacred part of the temple.
B. Western Section – Sanctum
The western side consisted of a solid sanctum, the inner chamber where the temple’s primary deity would have been placed and worshipped.
This arrangement allowed worshippers to move from the public prayer space into the more sacred inner area of the temple.
Important Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations at Charpatra Mura uncovered several remarkable artifacts that shed light on the temple’s history and purpose. Among the most significant findings were:
- A bronze relic casket;
- Four copperplate inscription.
These copperplates are particularly important because they contain inscriptions that reveal the identity of the temple’s deity and its historical location.
Dedication to Ladaha-Madhava
The inscriptions found on the copperplates indicate that the temple was dedicated to Ladaha-Madhava, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. This confirms that the site was an important center for Brahmanical worship during that period.
The inscriptions also confirm that the temple stood within the capital city of Devaparvata (Lalmai-Mainamati hilly area), highlighting the city’s significance as both a political and religious center in ancient times.
Historical Importance of Charpatra Mura
The discovery of the Charpatra Mura temple ruins provides valuable information about the spread of Brahmanical traditions and temple architecture in the Devaparvata area. It also offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious life of the people who lived there centuries ago.
Today, the site located Mainamati Cantonment area of Cumilla district in Bangladesh stands as an important archaeological landmark that helps historians and researchers reconstruct the history of early medieval South Asia.
📚 References: From Monasteries to Maritime Routes: Archaeological Sites of Lalmai–Mainamati and the Paleochannel Network (c. 4th–13th Century CE)
✍️ Author : Md Shahin Alam
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