Ancient Densher Devta Mandir: Exploring the Archaeological Treasures of Drubeel, Kishtwar

Ancient Densher Devta Mandir: Exploring the Archaeological Treasures of Drubeel, Kishtwar

 

Densher Devta Mandir, Drubeel

 

Nestled in the serene village of Drubeel, approximately 37 km northwest of the Kishtwar district headquarters, lies a site of immense spiritual and archaeological significance: the Densher Devta Mandir. More than just a temple, this ancient site and its surrounding structures offer a captivating glimpse into the region's rich history, steeped in legend and folklore.

 

The name "Densher" is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Udyensher," a combination of Udyan (garden) and Eshwar (divine lord). Local legends suggest the deity was a flying serpent with the power to travel between places, bringing joy and wonder to those who saw it. Affectionately known as the Pandava Mandir, local lore attributes its construction and the surrounding baolis (step wells) to the Pandavas, the revered heroes of the Mahabharata.

Drubeel Kishtwar

 

The temple is a testament to the enduring faith of the local community, who worship the deity as their Kuldevta, or family god. A central Shivalinga stands as the main object of worship, surrounded by several ancient, fragmented statues that have been carefully preserved. On the roof, a striking wooden carving of a leopard serves as a unique architectural feature, hinting at the local traditions and artistry.

The Legend of Densher and Mehnsher

According to local lore narrated by Master Sh. Chander Prakash ji, the revered deities Densher and Mehnsher were two brothers. The Densher Devta Mandir in Drubeel is a monument to one, while his brother's temple stands in the nearby village of Khandol.

A peculiar tale recounts how Mehnsher Devta appeared to his priest in a dream, instructing him to move wood from his temple to his brother's in Drubeel, which was being ravaged by sunlight. When the priest ignored the dream, a catastrophic flood swept the wood away. It was only when the priest revealed the dream to the local residents that they understood its significance. They rescued the wood and used it to renovate the Densher Devta temple, transforming it into the magnificent structure it is today.

The Architectural Marvels: Baolis and Carvings

Just below the temple, a series of nine ancient baolis (step wells) reveals a trove of archaeological wonders. While currently filled with mud, these wells were once vital water sources for the community. The presence of six additional stone carvings known as Noans suggests that more baolis may have once existed on the site.

 

The dimensions of these structures are meticulously documented at 33°22’08”N 75°40’09”E.

Baolis (Step Wells) Dimensions (in feet):

• Baoli 1: 10.6 (L) x 6.7 (B) x 7.0 (H)

• Baoli 2: 10.0 (L) x 6.2 (B) x 6.8 (H)

• Baoli 3: 9.10 (L) x 6.3 (B) x 6.6 (H)

• Baoli 4: 10.0 (L) x 7.0 (B) x 5.9 (H)

• Baoli 5: 7.7 (L) x 5.9 (B) x 4.5 (H)

• Baoli 6: 8.0 (L) x 4.6 (B) x 5.5 (H)

• Baoli 7: 7.0 (L) x 4.0 (B) x 5.9 (H)

• Baoli 8: 8.0 (L) x 7.2 (B) x 7.0 (H)

Noans (Stone Carvings) Dimensions (in feet):

• Noan 1: 2.10 (L) x 0.10 (B) x 0.9 (H)

• Noan 2: 2.8 (L) x 0.9 (B) x 0.8 (H)

• Noan 3: 2.11 (L) x 1.0 (B) x 0.7 (H)

• Noan 4: 2.10 (L) x 0.11 (B) x 0.8 (H)

• Noan 5: 1.8 (L) x 1.6 (B) x 1.3 (H)

• Noan 6: 1.7 (L) x 1.3 (B) x 1.2 (H)

• Noan 7: 1.6 (L) x 1.8 (B) x 1.0 (H)

• Noan 8: 3.0 (L) x 0.9 (B) x 0.9 (H)

Exploring three of these baolis uncovers stunning stone carvings that showcase ancient craftsmanship. These figures, consistent in size and dimensions, depict meditative poses with hands clasped in reverence. The first two baolis contain these figures, while the third features a unique stone carving of a leopard, echoing the wooden carving on the temple roof.

 

An especially captivating carving can be found on a large stone at the front of the first baoli below the temple. It depicts two human figures—one adult and one child—with their hands raised toward the sky. The stones used for these structures are believed to have been sourced locally, adding to the site's natural integration with its environment.

A Call for Preservation

The current state of the Drubeel archaeological site, particularly the mud-filled baolis, highlights an urgent need for conservation. To prevent these historical treasures from crumbling and drying up like many others, it is imperative that the local administration of Kishtwar and the community of Drubeel take concerted efforts to preserve and maintain them.

Safeguarding these ancient mandir and archaeological sites is not just about preserving the past; it's about protecting a vital water source and a spiritual legacy for future generations. The rich history and cultural significance of this site make it a prime candidate for restoration and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of the region.

 

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