Conserving a Sacred Site: Changing Re-Presentations of Bhīmā Devī Temple

ABSTRACT

This paper attempts on writing a biography of a temple site in Haryana, Northern India. The site in discussion is popularly known as Bhima Devi Temple site. The original temple was constructed in Early Medieval times and has been recently renovated by the State Government by integrating surviving architectural remnants of the Brāhmaṇic temple. The intention of the paper is not only to follow the archaeological history since ancient times but also to visualize it in modern context especially from the perception of locals among whom the reminiscences of this local deity still lives through oral traditions and ritual performances.

KEYWORDS:

• Bhima Devi temple
• oral traditions
• museum
• sculptures
• architectural remains
• devotees

Acknowledgements

The author would sincerely like to express my gratitude to my mentors, Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri and Prof. Upinder Singh and Prof. Parul Pandya Dhar for their continuous guidance and suggestions. I would also like to thank the local staff at the site of Bhima Devi temple.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).