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बांते स्री : ख्मेर कलेचा परमोच्च बिंदू

कंबोडियामधील भारतीय संस्कृतीच्या छटा या सर्वत्र प्रसिद्ध आहेत. कंबोडियाने भारतीय संस्कृती जपली, जोपासली आणि मिरवलीही. याच संस्कृती संवर्धनाच्या मालेतील एक पुष्प म्हणजे ‘बांते स्री’! हे मंदिर म्हणजे वास्तूशिल्पाचा अत्युच्च नमुना ठरते. या मंदिराचा इतिहास, त्याचे स्थापत्य सौंदर्य, विशेषत: अशा विविध अंगाने ‘बांते स्री’चा घेतलेला आढावा...

आपण या लेखमालिकेतील काही लेखांमध्ये भारताला भारताबरोबर जोडणार्‍या, वेगवेगळ्या ठिकाणच्या हिंदू मंदिरांबद्दल जाणून घेत आहोत. ही सर्व मंदिरे भारतासाठी सांस्कृतिक सेतू म्हणून काम करतात. कंबोडियामधल्या अंगकोर वट या जगातल्या सर्वांत मोठ्या मंदिराबद्दल आपण जाणून घेतले. या मंदिरासाठी जे दगड वापरले गेले, ते कबाल स्पियन नावाच्या डोंगरातून आणले होते. त्या पवित्र डोंगरावर वाहणार्‍या ओढ्यात, आपल्याला सहस्रलिंग कोरलेले आढळतात. या डोंगराजवळच्या परिसरात, जंगलाच्या कुशीत शांतपणे विसावलेले एक अद्भुत मंदिरही आपल्याला दिसते, बांते स्री! ज्याला ‘स्त्रियांचे गढी’ असेही म्हटले जाते. पण, वास्तवात हे मंदिर एवढे सूक्ष्म, नाजूक आणि सौंदर्यपूर्ण आहे की, याला ‘ख्मेर कलेचा परमोच्च बिंदू’ असे म्हणणे अधिक योग्य ठरेल.

शिवाला अर्पण केलेल्या ‘बांते स्री’ची निर्मिती, इ.स. दहाव्या शतकात राजा राजेंद्रवर्मन आणि नंतर जयवर्मन पाचव्याच्या कारकिर्दीत झाली. पण, या मंदिराची निर्मिती राजाने केलेली नसून, राजाच्या प्रधानाने केलेली आहे. मंदिराचे नक्षीकाम इतके सूक्ष्म आहे की, सामान्यपणे हे महिला कारागिरांनी केले असल्याचा समज प्रचलित झाला. म्हणूनच या मंदिराला ‘स्त्रियांचा दुर्ग’ हे नावप्रचलित झाले.

‘बांते स्री’चे सर्वांत मोठे वैशिष्ट्य म्हणजे त्याचे गुलाबी वाळूशिलेचे बांधकाम. कंबोडियातील बहुतांश मंदिरे निळसर-धुरकट दगडांनी बांधलेली असताना, ‘बांते स्री’मधील दगड सूर्यप्रकाशात हलकेसे गुलाबी रंगाने झळकतात. हा दगड अतिशय सूक्ष्म कोरीवकामासाठी योग्य असल्याने, कलाकारांनी त्यावर केलेली नक्षी आजही जिवंत दिसते. मंदिराचा प्रत्येक भाग कोरलेला आहे. कमानी, प्रवेशद्वारे, स्तंभ, छत, बोलके शिल्पपट हे सर्व मिळून, या मंदिराला एका कोरलेल्या कवितेत रूपांतरित करतात.

‘बांते स्री’चे आकारमान मोठे नाही; उलट ते अंकोरवाटच्या तुलनेत अगदीच लहान. पण त्या मर्यादित आकारात कलाकारांनी सर्वोच्च कलासंपदा घडवली आहे.

गर्भगृह-शिवलिंग प्रतिष्ठित, अंतराळ (अंतरा)-गर्भगृहाकडे जाणारा पवित्र मार्ग, मंडप-जिथे विधी होत, द्वारशाखा-अतिशय नाजूक कोरीवकामाने परिपूर्ण, प्राकार-मंदिराला वेढणार्‍या भिंती अशी या मंदिराची मूलभूत रचना आहे. द्वारशाखांवरील मकरतोरण, कमलमाला, प्रतिमा, नृत्यरत अप्सरा, नंदी यांची नक्षी इतकी सूक्ष्म आहे की दगड नव्हे, तर मेणावरील कोरीव काम वाटते. अंकोरच्या सर्व मंदिरांमध्ये अप्सरा नृत्यात गुंग झालेल्या दिसतात, पण ‘बांते स्री’तील अप्सरा विशेष. त्यांचे दागिने, वस्त्रे, हातांच्या मुद्रा आणि डोळ्यांतील भाव-सर्वच शिल्प अत्यंत नाजूक आणि स्त्रीसौंदर्याला गौरवणारे. ही शिल्पे दर्शवतात की ख्मेर कलाकारांनी स्त्रीचे सौंदर्य, तिची कोमलता, तिची ऊर्जा-एका अद्वितीय आदराने मांडली आहे. ‘बांते स्री’ हे एक शिल्पग्रंथ म्हटले, तरीही वावगे ठरणार नाही. इथे रामायण, महाभारत, पुराणांमध्ये आलेल्या अनेक कथा कोरलेल्या आहेत. त्यातल्या काहींचा परिचय आपण इथे करून घेऊया...

आपल्या गर्वाच्या धुंदीत अखंड कैलास पर्वत लंकेला घेऊन जाण्याच्या उद्देशाने रावणाने उचलला, सगळीकडे पळापळ झाली. पण, शिव मात्र शांत होते. त्यांनी फक्त पायाच्या अंगठ्याने तो पर्वत खाली दाबला आणि त्याचा भार रावणावर आला. हे असह्य होऊन त्याला आपल्याला चुकीची जाणीव झाली आणि त्याने शिवाकडे यातून मुक्त करा, अशी याचना केली, ही ती कथा आहे. इथे शिल्पामध्ये सर्वांत खाली अनेक हातांचा आणि अनेक चेहर्‍यांचा रावण दाखवला आहे. सिंह, हत्ती, हरणे हे प्राणी लांब पळताना दाखवले असून गणपती, वानर, साधू हात जोडून बसलेले दिसतात. सर्वांत वरच्या भागात शिव-पार्वती कोरलेले आहेत. पार्वती ही शिवाच्या मांडीवर बसलेली असून, शिव अतिशय शांत मुद्रेमध्ये दाखवले आहेत. या शिल्पातील आजूबाजूचे केलेले नक्षीकामदेखील बघण्यासारखे आहे.

महाभारतातला खांडव वन जाळण्याचा प्रसंगदेखील इथे कोरलेला आहे. शिल्पपटात खाली दोन्ही बाजूला दोन पुरुष आकृती आहेत. एका बाजूला अर्जुन असून, दुसर्‍या बाजूला चार हातांचा कृष्ण कोरलेला आहे. मध्ये जंगल, पशुपक्षी दाखवलेले आहेत. जंगलाला आग लागल्यावर नागराज इंद्राला ‘आम्हाला वाचव’ अशी विनवणी करतो. इंद्र आकाशातून पाऊस पडायला सुरुवात करतो. अर्जुन आपल्या बाणांनी तो पाऊस अडवतो, हा सर्व प्रसंग इथे शिल्पात कोरलेला आहे.

या शिल्पांबरोबरच जरासंध वध, तारा विलाप, शिव आणि मदन कथा, नटराज, अभिषेक लक्षी अशा अनेक गोष्टी इथे कोरलेल्या आपल्याला दिसतात. काळाच्या ओघात ‘बांते स्री’ हरवत गेले. जंगलाने ते झाकले, हवामानाने त्याची झीज केली. १८९९ मध्ये फ्रेंच संशोधकांनी हे मंदिर पुन्हा शोधले. नंतर संरक्षण आणि पुनर्बांधणीची कामे सुरू झाली. आज हे मंदिर कंबोडियातील संवर्धनाचे सर्वांत यशस्वी उदाहरण आहे.

पहाटेच्या किंवा संध्याकाळच्या प्रकाशात ‘बांते स्री’चा दगड जसा झळकतो, तसा संपूर्ण कंबोडियात कुठेच नाही. गुलाबी दगडाच्या सूक्ष्म कोरीवकामात सूर्यकिरण शिरतात आणि मंदिर जणू सुवर्णछटा धारण करते. ‘बांते स्री’ इतर मंदिरांपेक्षा लहान असले, तरी आत्म्याला भिडणारे आहे. इथे कोरलेल्या प्रत्येक कथा भारतीय आहे, परंतु त्यातील कलात्मकता ख्मेर कलेने घडवलेली आहे. शिव, विष्णू, रामायण-महाभारत-हे सर्व दगडात जिवंत आहेत. हे मंदिर केवळ स्थापत्यकृती नाही, तर भारत आणि कंबोडियाच्या नात्याचा शाश्वत पुरावा म्हणून उभे आहे. कंबोडियाला यासाठी सर्वांनी एकदातरी नक्की जाऊन या!

- इंद्रनील बंकापुरे

https://www.mahamtb.com/Encyc/2025/11/16/banteay-srei-a-masterpiece-of-khmer-art-and-indian-culture.html

Bathu Temples, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Bathu Temples are cluster of Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Sakthi, located in Maharana Pratap Sagar in the Kangra district of Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Bathu temples are known locally as Bathu ki ladi. This cluster of temples remains submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar for ten months and can be accessed from May to June when the water level decreases.

Legends

As per legend, the temples were believed to be built by Pandavas. It is also believed that they tried to build the staircase to heaven from here only.

History

The temples were believed to be built by a local King in the past. These temples were submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar, a reservoir created by Pong dam in the early 1970s.

The Temple Complex

This temple cluster consists of eight temples. The walls once enclosed the cluster of temples have fallen and crumbled due to the strong water current in Beas River. The temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Sakthi. Idols of Sheshnag, Vinayaga, Kali and Hanuman can also be found in the temple premises. These temples were submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar, a reservoir created by Pong dam in the early 1970s. Since then, these temples are only accessible from May to June when the water level decreases. Despite being in water for ten months, these temples retains its originality due to the quality of Bathu stones.

Connectivity

The Temple Complex is located at about 13 Kms from Jawali, 31 Kms from Dhameta, 35 Kms from Nagrota Suriyan Railway Station, 53 Kms from Kangra Airport, 59 Kms from Pathankot Airport, 64 Kms from Kangra and 251 Kms from Shimla. The temples are accessible by boat from Dhameta and Nagrota Suriyan and accessible by road from Jawali.

Location | Photos

Masrur Temples – The Temple Complex

The temples face northeast, towards the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The temples were built in North Indian version of Nagara architecture style. The temple complex was carved out of the natural sandstone rock. The temple complex remains incomplete and suffered damage from earthquake. The Sanctum is accessible through antarala from mandapa and mukha mandapa.

The main sanctum is square in plan with each side of 13 feet. The main sanctum has a four faced Shiva Linga. The main sanctum houses nine deities. The center deity is Lord Shiva and others are Vishnu, Indra, Ganesa, Karthikeya and Durga. The main sanctum has four entrances, of which one on the east side is complete, two on the north and south side are partially complete and the fourth can be seen but is largely incomplete.

The eastern entrance had a large mandapa and a portico, but this was destroyed in the 1905 earthquake, its existence known from site visit notes prior to the earthquake. There are staircases located on the either side of the mandapa leading to the roof of the temple. The main spire is flanked by subsidiary spires of smaller size, all eight symmetrically placed to form an octagon (or two rotated squares).

These spires of the temple seem to grow out of the natural rock that makes the mountain. Above the main sanctum, the rock was cut to form the flat roof and the second level of the temple naturally fused with the rising main spire (shikhara) as well as the eight subsidiary shrines. The ceiling of various mandapa and the sanctum inside the temple are fully carved, predominantly with open lotus.

However, the inside walls remained incomplete. The sanctum and spire plan for the Masrur temple follows Kailasa design. The Kailasa style of Hindu temple is one with a central Shikhara (spire) symmetrically surrounded by four smaller spires set between the four entrances into the temple from the four cardinal directions. All spires in the Masrur temple follow Nagara style.

The stairway spire is based on four turned squares and features eight rotating lata spines that alternate with eight right-angled projections. The shrines around the central shrine enshrines Shaktis, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Surya, Indra and Saraswathi. Varaha and Narasimha are can be seen in the niches. Sculptures of Ardhanarishvara, Harihara and a three faced trinity that shows Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in one sculpture can also be seen in the temple complex.

Sculptures of Varuna, Agni and others Vedic deities can be seen among the ruins. The temple also has secular images from the common life of people, of couples in courtship and various levels of intimacy (Mithuna), people making music and dancing, apsaras and ornamental scrollwork. The temple complex also has two free standing sub shrines near the sacred pool.

These have spires with sixteen lata spines, a style that is uncommon in India and found associated with Shiva temples associated with Hindu monks of the Mattamayura matha between the 7^th and 12^th century CE. The temple complex has a sacred pool in front on the east side. The construction of the sacred pool is dated to the early 8^th century CE. It measures 82 ft in length and 164 ft in breadth.

The temple once had a square mandapa outside the temple complex. It measured 27 feet side and 20 feet tall. It had a solid 1.5 feet (0.46 m) thick roof supported by four carved massive pillars. The platform had a covered drainage system to allow water anywhere on the mandapa to naturally drain off. The Mandapa suffered damage during 1905 quake, now only remnants of the floor and a pillar remain.

Masrur Temples – History

Masrur temples show similarities to the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai (1,900 kms away), Angkor Wat in Cambodia (4,000 kms away) and the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu (2,700 kms away). The temples were built during 8^th Century CE. There is no inscriptional evidence of the patronage or period of the construction in the temple. The first known visits of the British officials to study the Masrur temples occurred in 1887 CE. Henry Shuttleworth, a British official from colonial era, visited and photographed the temples in 1913.

He claimed in his report that he was the first European to visit them. He wrote a paper on the temples, which was published by the journal The Indian Antiquary. He shared his findings with Harold Hargreaves, then an officer of the Northern Circle of the Archaeology Survey of India. Hargreaves knew more about Hindu theology, noticed the Shiva Linga in the sanctum and he corrected Shuttleworth's report. Hargreaves wrote up his tour and published his photographs and observations in 1915 as a part of the ASI Annual Report Volume 20.

Hargreaves acknowledged the discovery that a draftsman in his office had already toured, measured and created temples plans and sections in 1887, and that some other ASI workers and Europeans had visited the temple in 1875 and after 1887. The Masrur temples suffered damage during the earthquake happened in Kanga in 1905 CE. The central temple has been locally called as Thakurwada, a term for Vaishnavite temples at least from the time Harold Hargreaves visited the temple in 1913.

However, the temple was originally a Shiva temple as evident from the figure of Shiva on the lintel of the main door and other parts of the structure. It seems that the temple was converted into a Vaishnava temple by placing three small black stone idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the shrine in 20^th century. The Masrur temples are a surviving example of a temple mountain-style Hindu architecture which embodies the earth and mountains around it.

Masrur Temples, Himachal Pradesh

Masrur Temples are an early 8^th Century CE Temple complex of rock cut Hindu temples in the Kangra Valley of Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temples face northeast, towards the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The temples were built in North Indian version of Nagara architecture style.

Legends

As per legend, the Pandavas stayed here during their exile from their kingdom and built this temple. When their identity and location was exposed, they shifted from this place. Hence, the temple complex was left unfinished.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/masrur-temples-history.html

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/masrur-temples-temple-complex.html

Connectivity

The Temple complex is located at about 500 meters from Masrur Bus Stop, 11 Kms from Nagrota Suriyan Railway Station, 31 Kms from Kangra Airport, 35 Kms from Kangra, 42 Kms from Dharamshala, 81 Kms from Pathankot, 146 Kms from Jalandhar and 215 Kms from Shimla. The temple is situated on Pathankot to Haripur route.

Location | Photos

Radha Damodar Temple, Suri, West Bengal

Radha Damodar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Suri City in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is also known as Ghunsa Mandir and is situated in a locality called Sonatorpara. The temple is considered as the oldest and the finest temple in Suri City.

History

The temple was built in 17^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The Temple was built in Aatchaalaa style. The Temple was raised on foundation made of laterite stone. The temple consists of a small garbhagriha and a verandah with triple arched entrances. The frontal façade is decorated lavishly with terracotta ornamentations depicting Krishna Leela, incarnations of Lord Vishnu and deities from Hindu pantheon. The idol inside the sanctum has been long lost. The temple is about 35 feet tall.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Suri Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Suri Railway Station, 18 Kms from Sainthia, 36 Kms from Bolpur, 63 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 65 Kms from Durgapur, 193 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 194 Kms from Kolkata. Suri is well-connected by road & rail from Calcutta and Durgapur. Suri is located on the Andal–Sainthia branch line of Eastern Railway. It is on Panagarh – Morgram Highway.

Location

Shyam Sundar Temple, Madanmohanpur, West Bengal

Shyam Sundar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Madanmohanpur Village in the Sonamukhi CD block in the Bishnupur subdivision of the Bankura District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Temple was built during the 17^th - 18^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Madanmohanpur is also called as Madanpur.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and follows eka ratna style. The temple consists of a small garbhagriha and a verandah with triple arches. The temple can be accessed through the central arch. It is a brick-built temple with a ridged rekha tower on top.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Sonamukhi, 15 Kms from Sonamukhi Railway Station, 27 Kms from Durgapur Railway Station, 33 Kms from Durgapur Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Bishnupur, 45 Kms from Bankura, 48 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 170 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 170 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated off 14 Kms from Sonamukhi on Bardhaman to Bankura route.

Location

Ratneswara Temple, Jagannathpur, West Bengal

Ratneswara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Jagannathpur Village in the Barjora CD block in the Bankura Sadar subdivision of the Bankura District in the Indian state of West Bengal, India. The Temple was probably built in the second half of the 18^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The temple follows Odishan style of architecture. The temple consists of rekha deula and Nata Mandapa. The Nata Mandapa is of recent construction. The tower is surmounted by a large amalaka. The exterior of the temple is largely plain.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 12 Kms from Beliatore Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Beliatore Railway Station, 13 Kms from Barjora, 23 Kms from Durgapur Railway Station, 25 Kms from Durgapur, 29 Kms from Durgapur Bus Stand, 32 Kms from Bankura, 45 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 184 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 186 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at about 6 Kms from Baharakhulya on Bankura to Durgapur route.

Location

Rarheshwar Temple, Arra, West Bengal

Rarheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Arra Town in the Kanksa CD block in the Durgapur subdivision of the Paschim Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, it is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of a local King who was suffering from an incurable disease. Lord Shiva instructed him to build a temple for relief from the disease. As instructed, the king build temple and named it as Rarheshwar Shiva Temple.

History

The temple is believed to be built by King Ballal Sen of the Rarh dynasty in 12^th century CE. His kingdom was called as Rarh Desh. Hence, the Shiva Linga came to be called as Rarheshwar. The temple was extensively renovated at a later period. It is one of the important sites preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India according to the Archaeological Act of 1958.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple consists of a sanctum, antrala and an entrance porch. The sanctum is saptaratha on plan and follows pidha vimana of Kalingan style. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity Rarheshwar in the form of Shiva Linga.

Festivals

Devotees flock this temple during the month of Shravan.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Muchipara Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Durgapur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Durgapur Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 49 Kms from Asansol, 50 Kms from Bankura, 68 Kms from Bardhaman, 170 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 171 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at the outskirts of Durgapur on Durgapur to Bardhaman route.

Location

Radha Damodar Temple, Ghutgarya, West Bengal

Radha Damodar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Ghutgarya Town in the Barjora CD block in the Bankura Sadar subdivision of the Bankura District in the state of West Bengal, India. The temple was built in 17^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The temple follows rekha deula style of Kalinga architecture. The temple is pancharatha on plan. The temple is about 40 feet tall. The top of the shikara is decorated with 4 udyota simhas is crowned by amalaka and Kalasha. Sculptures can be seen on top of the façade. There is no deity enshrined in the sanctum. The exterior is largely plain.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Barjora, 13 Kms from Durgapur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Durgapur Bus Stand, 33 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 38 Kms from Bankura, 183 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 184 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms from Barjora on Durgapur to Bankura route.

Location

Raj Rajeshwari Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Raj Rajeshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

The Temple

This temple is newly built and houses an image of Goddess Durga. Her image is made by combining eight metals, also known as Ashta Dhatu. Idols of Jayadurga, Madangopal, Vishnu, Mahalaskhmi and Karunamoyee can be found in the temple premises. Remains of ancient terracotta temples can be found nearby.

Connectivity

Baranagar is located 2 Kms from Azimganj City Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Basulitala Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Azimganj, 3 Kms from Azimganj Junction Railway Station, 12 Kms from Kiriteswar Shaktipeeth, 15 Kms from Murshidabad, 21 Kms from Berhampore, 35 Kms from Raghunathganj, 102 Kms from Suri, 203 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 215 Kms from Kolkata. Baranagar is situated on Azimganj to Balia route.

Location

Shiva Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. It is one of the terracotta temples built by Rani Bhabani, Queen of Natore, in Baranagar. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

Connectivity

Location

Char Bangla Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Char Bangla Temple is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. This Temple Complex consists of four Terracotta temples, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. The Char Bangla Temple is one of the finest specimens of Bengal style of architecture. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

The Temple

The Char Bangla Temple is a cluster of four temples on raised platforms forming an inner courtyard. Each temple is built on raised platform of about 1.5 feet high and is dochala (2 roofed) hut shaped. Three temples except the northern one has a common platform while the northern temple is built on a separate platform behind another old building which perhaps served as the Kachari Bari or administrative wing of Rani Bhabani.

Each temple has three doors and three Shiva Lingas inside. The northern temple is the most exquisitely decorated with terracotta ornamentation, depicting the puranic stories, legends from Ramayana & Mahabharata, Krishna Leela, different forms of Goddesses, scenes from village lives. This temple contains a unique depiction of Lord Shiva sitting on a platform, while his two devotees Nandi and Bringi are shown busy preparing hookah and bhang for him.

The western temple is also decorated richly with terracotta ornamentation. It has a beautiful central arch depicting final battle of Lord Rama with Ravana. The eastern temple is unique for its stucco works, unlike the terracotta work seen in the other temples. Each temple has the design of lotus in the middle of every single entrance. The temple walls contain exquisite terracotta ornamentations and stucco reliefs.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Panchamukhi Shiva Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Panchamukhi Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. This Temple is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

The Temple

This temple is facing towards south and situated on a small garden. The temple was built on low raised platform. It is dochala or Ek Bangla (2 roofed hut shaped). The temple consists of a small garbhagriha and a verandah with triple arched entrances. The Sanctum houses a five faced Shiva Linga. The frontal façade is decorated lavishly with terracotta ornamentations depicting the legends from Ramayana. Much of the terracotta works are faded due to the colour coating.

Connectivity

Location

Baranagar Temples – History

Rani Bhabani was a Hindu zamindar, also known as the 'Queen of Natore' during the British colonial era. She was born in Chhatimgram village, Bogra District. Her father's name was Atmaram Choudhury. She was married to Raja Ramkanta Ray, Zamindar of Natore estate. Rajshahi Raj or Natore estate was a large zamindari which occupied a vast position of Bengal. The Natore estate had an area of nearly 34,000 square kilometres (13,000 sq. mi).

It included not only much of North Bengal but also large parts of the areas later comprising the administrative districts of Murshidabad, Nadia, Jessore, Birbhum and Burdwan. After the death of her husband, Rani Bhabani of Natore Rajbari, expanded both the estate and the palace. A woman as a zamindar was extremely rare in those days, but Rani Bhabani managed the vast Rajshahi zamindari most efficiently and effectively for over four decades.

John Holwell, an English writer, speculated that the stipulated annual rent of the estate to the crown was 7 million rupees, the real revenues being about 15 million. Rani Bhabani was famous among the common people was her philanthropy and general generosity, combined with an austere personal life. She built several temples, guesthouses and roads across Bengal. She also built numerous water tanks, alleviating the acute water problem of her subjects. She was also interested in the spread of education and donated generously to many educational institutes.

She made generous contributions for the development and renovation of Bhabanipur temple, a Shakti Peeth, located at Sherpur Upazila of Bogra District in Bangladesh. She also made contributions in Tarapith and Benares. Tarapith, a Hindu Temple town situated in the Indian province of West Bengal is famous for (goddess Tara) & Hindu saint Bamakhepa. Durga Kund Mandir in Varanasi was constructed in 18^th century by Rani Bhabani. Her residence in Natore remains a main tourist attraction in Bangladesh to date.

Baranagar Temples were built under the patronage of Rani Bhabani, Queen of Natore, in 18^th century CE. It is said that Rani Bhabani wanted to build 108 temples at Baranagar on the banks of Hooghly river to raise the status of Baranagar on par with Varanasi. Most of the temples built by her were lost to the ravages of time. Gangeswar Temple was probably built in 1753 CE by Rani Bhabani. Bhabaniswar Temple was built by Rani Bhabani’s daughter Tarasundari in 1755 CE. Pancha Mukhi Shiva Temple was renovated in 1940 by DL Nowlakha, a local Jain businessman.

Gangeswar Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Gangeswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. This Temple is also called as Jor Bangla Temple, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. The Temple is one of the finest specimens of Bengal style of architecture. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

The Temple

The Temple has two Dochala hut shaped Bangla connected as pairs (Jor). Hence, the temple is also called as Jor Bangla. It houses three Shiva Lingas namely Gangeswar, Kastureswar, and Nageswar. The entrance has three archways. The spaces above the arches depict horses and floral motifs. The pillars and exterior walls are decorated richly with terracotta ornamentation depicting legends from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela and social life. The curvilinear form of the roof is typically of Bengali temple architecture.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Bhabaniswar Temple, Baranagar, West Bengal

Bhabaniswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Baranagar Village in Murshidabad Jiaganj Tehsil in Murshidabad District in the state of West Bengal, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/baranagar-temples-history.html

The Temple

This temple is the tallest lime and mortar temple at Baranagar. The temple is about 18 meters tall. The temple is octagonal in shape and its dome (roof) looks like an inverted lotus. It has a corridor with sloping roof around the inner sanctum and is decorated with large floral motifs. The façade is decorated with human figurines, but the artwork seems to be average in terms of workmanship.

Connectivity

Location

Banda Deul, Purulia – The Temple

The temple follows rekha deula style and is facing towards north. The temple was once enclosed by a stone wall, only small fractions of which survives to this day. The temple consisted of rekha deula (sanctum) and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is largely collapsed, although eight pillars still stand supporting crossbeams. It is rectangular on plan. The Sanctum remains intact.

The Sanctum is triratha on plan. The sanctum stands on a square base (14 X 14 feet). The door frame has carvings of male figurines blowing horns by climbing up a wavy stem, a band of foliate scrolls and two bands of floral lozenges. There is no idol currently in the sanctum. The sanctum is with simplified base mouldings and plain squared pilasters on either side of a niche in each wall.

The central projection is decorated with interconnected chaityas and foliated scrolls and two vertical rows of separate projecting chaityas between this and the corners. The central projection on the south side has a large interweaving leafy stem with lattice-like designs. The lower portion of the eastern wall contains a stone elephant head, which probably served as a water outlet.

The water used during the rituals in the inner sanctum was drained out through pipes and was ejected through the elephant head shaped outlet. The amalaka on top of the shikara was also broken. The exterior is richly decorated with carvings of creepers, scroll work and stylized chaitya window. The area around the temple is covered with several Palash Trees.

Banda Deul, Purulia, West Bengal

Banda Deul is an ancient Hindu Temple, located in Banda Village in the Raghunathpur II CD block in the Raghunathpur subdivision of the Purulia District in the state of West Bengal, India. This temple is considered as the finest of all the stone temples found in Purulia. Banda Village is also called as Deulghera.

History

The temple was built around the 11^th century CE. It is said that the temple was vandalized by the army of Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1360 CE. The British archaeologist J. D. Beglar came across this temple in 1872 CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/banda-deul-purulia-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Chelyama, 15 Kms from Raghunathpur, 20 Kms from Adra, 21 Kms from Adra Junction Railway Station, 44 Kms from Purulia, 161 Kms from Ranchi, 163 Kms from Ranchi Airport and 262 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated on Raghunathpur to Chelyama route.

Location | Photos

Jora Deul, Baidyapur, West Bengal

Jora Deul is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Baidyapur Village in the Kalna II CD block in the Kalna subdivision of the Purba Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Jora Deul consists of two Deuls joined together and hence, the temple came to be called as Jora Deul. It is a unique style found nowhere else in West Bengal and can be considered as one of the most unique brick-built temples of the country.

History

The temple was built in 1550 CE by Subhananda Pal and extensively renovated at a later date. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The Temple consists of two deuls (temples) are interconnected with a passage. It is a unique style found nowhere else in West Bengal and can be considered as one of the most unique brick-built temples of the country. The main temple faces east and the smaller one faces north. Their facades are of curved bricks. Both the temples were built originally with square bases and possibly domed tops. The main temple has an inscription over its doorway. The walls are decorated with intricate terracotta works depicting floral & geometric patterns, social scenes and tales from the great Hindu epics.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 8 Kms from Boinchi, 8 Kms from Boinchi Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kalna, 14 Kms from Ambika Kalna Railway Station, 46 Kms from Bardhaman, 85 Kms from Kolkata and 85 Kms from Kolkata Airport. The temple is situated on the Boinchi to Kalna route. Boinchi Railway Station is situated on the Howrah – Bardhaman main line.

Location

Siddheshwara Temple, Bahulara, West Bengal

Siddheshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bahulara village in the Onda II village panchayat, in the Onda CD block in the Bankura Sadar subdivision of the Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple is called as Behula temple by the locals. The temple is situated on the western bank of the Dwarakeswar River.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 11th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and is pancharatha on plan. The temple might have been originally a Jain worship place later got converted to Shiva temple. It faces the west and many believe it was originally a Jain place of worship. This temple is considered as the finest specimen of brick rekha deula temple. The temple follows Kalingan style of architecture. The temple is known for its fine brick works and stucco ornamentation of the walls.

The temple is built on low raised jagati measuring 30 feet by 27 feet. The sanctum is square on plan. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Siddhesvara, in the form of Linga within circular yonipitha. The sanctum also enshrines images of Ganesha, Jain tirthankara Parshvanatha and Mahishasura Mardini.

The shikara is about 64 feet tall. The topmost portion of the shikara, called the amalaka, had been lost completely. The exterior of the temple is intricately decorated with terracotta moulding, stucco ornamentation and carvings depict floral, human and geometric patterns. The Southern side of the temple complex houses remains of miniature dilapidated stupas and chaitya bases.

Festivals

Bahulara Shiva Gajan is celebrated for three days during the month of Chaitra. Shivaratri and Bengali New Year are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Ondagram Railway Station, 7 Kms from Onda Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Bishnupur, 27 Kms from Bankura, 159 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 160 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at about 7 Kms from Onda on Bishnupur to Bankura route. Regular Buses are available from Bishnupur to Onda.

Location

Hemavathi Group of Temples – History

Nolamba dynasty was a minor Southern Indian dynasty which held sway over 32,000 villages. Nolambas commonly referred themselves as Nolamba Pallava in several inscriptions. Nolambas might have been related to the Pallava family. Their earlier capital was Chitradurga which they later shifted to Hemavathi in modern Andhra Pradesh. Hemavathi was the capital of Nolamba Dynasty between 8^th and 10^th century AD. The town was known as Henjeri during the Nolamba Dynasty.

They possessed land that spanned nearly one-third of Karnataka, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Their rule extended slightly more than 300 years, first as feudatories to Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami, Gangas and Rashtrakutas and later to Chalukyas of Kalyani. The region ruled by Nolamba was called Nolambavadi. Mangala Nomabathi Raja (735 – 785 A.D) was considered as the founder of Nolamba dynasty.

Nolambas were overrun by the Ganga king Marasimha, who boasts of having destroyed the Nolamba family and had the title Nolambakulantaka. Hemavathi is home to a remarkable group of temples built between 8^th and 10^th century AD under the reign of the Nolamba Dynasty. It is believed that Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola was so impressed with the massive and intricately carved pillars of Doddeswara Temple. Rajendra Chola removed around 44 pillars from this temple and decorated a temple with these pillars in Chola Kingdom.

Hemavathi Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

This temple complex consists of Siddheswara Temple, Doddeswara Temple, Mallesvara Temple and Virupaksha The temple complex is spread over an area of around 15 acres. There are traces of a fort on the south western side of the village made in mud.

Siddhesvara Temple:

This temple is facing towards west. There is a garden area before this temple. The garden area houses several Lingas, Nandis, inscriptional pillars and architectural fragments. Dhwaja Sthambam can be found after the garden area facing the sanctum. It is located in front of the entrance. Agni Kunda (Homa Kunda) can be found next to the Dhwaja Sthambam on the left side.

A four pillared Asthana Mandapa can be seen on the left side of Agni Kunda. There is a four pillared Mandapa immediately after the entrance. It might have housed Nandi in the past, but it is empty now. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Ardha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The Sanctum houses an idol of Lord Shiva instead of traditional Linga.

The idol is about five feet tall. He is depicted as sitting in the Lalitasana posture with a Damaruka in one hand, a kapala (skull) in another hand, a trishula in the third and fourth hand shows abhaya mudra. He is wearing a Yagnopavita (sacred thread) made of skulls. The temple is built in such way that the sun rays touches the face of the Lord Shiva during sunset. There is an enclosed circumbulatory pathway running around the temple. There is a shrine for Kala Bhairava adjacent to the sanctum.

It houses an idol of Kala Bhairava flanked by a male & female figurine standing on intertwined snakes. Locals believe that by offering a Jaggery to this shrine will protect them from scorpion attacks. This temple also had an idol of Goddess Kali but currently the idol is housed in the Madras museum. The pillars in this temple contains carvings of celestial beings, men & women in various postures, Yalis, birds and animals.

Doddeswara Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. A Nandi made of black basalt granite 8 feet in length and 4 feet in height, housed in a six pillared mandapa on a raised platform, can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of pillared Maha Mandapa and Sanctum. The pillars have carvings of the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Presiding Deity is called as Doddeswara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Linga is about 6 feet tall. The walls of the temple are adorned with several artistic sculptures and images. The stone sculptures here produce a metallic sound upon being tapped. There is stepped well situated opposite to this temple. Several Naga Idols and Hero Stones can be found near this temple.

Mallesvara Temple:

Mallesvara Swamy Temple is situated opposite to Doddeswara Temple. Nandi can be found in a closed Mandapa, facing the sanctum. This temple consists of Mukha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Antrala and Sanctum. The Sanctum houses a Linga on square yonipitha. A Bana Linga can be seen on the left side of the temple.

Virupaksha Temple:

Virupaksha Temple is situated little away from the main temple. A Nandi made of black basalt granite, housed in a four pillared mandapa on a raised platform, can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum is built on a raised platform.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of pillared Mukha Mandapa and Sanctum. The open Mukha Mandapa has intricately carved door at the entrance. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. A Shiva Linga housed on broken square Avudaiyar can be found on the right side of the temple.

Archeological Museum:

There is a Museum set up by Archeological Department within the temple premises. The Museum has six galleries housing sculptures, idols, architectural fragments and ancient carvings. The impressive collections in the museum are Saptamatrikas, half broken Chamundeshwari idol, remnants from the Vedagallu temple with an ornate arch, Vinayaka, Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Vishnu idols in five different avatars and Venkateswara.

Hemavathi Group of Temples, Andhra Pradesh

Hemavathi Group of Temples is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hemavathi Village in Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh, India. Hemavathi is situated on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/hemavathi-group-of-temples-hisory.html

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/hemavathi-group-of-temples-temple-complex.html

Festivals

Radhotsavam during the months of Feb – March is the famous festival celebrated here. Devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka throng this festival.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Hemavathi Bus Stop, 36 Kms from Madakasira, 52 Kms from Hiriyur, 65 Kms from Challakere Railway Station, 70 Kms from Hindupur, 71 Kms from Hindupur Railway Station, 132 Kms from Anantapur, 157 Kms from Bengaluru Airport and 163 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated on Hiriyur to Madakasira route. Frequent buses are available from Amarapuram, Madakasira, Hindupur and also from Hiriyur in Karnataka.

Location | Photos

Chopra Tank, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Chopra Tank is a historic stepwell located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This tank is situated to north of Chitragupta temple. It is the least visited monument in Khajuraho and lies outside the western group.

History

The Tank was built by Chandelas in the 11^th century CE.

The Tank

It is a three storied stepped tank. It is square in plan with a pavilion in the centre. It is in a very dilapidated state. It is believed that this step tank was associated with the Chitragupta temple and was for the healing of diseases.

Connectivity

The Tank is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location

Ganesha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Ganesha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaga located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is situated close to Matangesvara Temple. This temple houses two Vinayaga idols and two Lingas in its sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location

Varaha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple enshrines a colossal monolithic image of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple depicts Varaha as a purely animal form. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This Temple is located next to Lakshmi Temple and opposite to Lakshmana Temple.

History

The Varaha Temple is believed to have been constructed around 900 – 925 A.D. by Chandela King Yashovarman as a celebration for his victory over his Pratihara overlord.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and built on a lofty plinth. The shrine is built entirely of sandstone. It has an oblong pavilion with a pyramidal roof of receding tiers, resting on fourteen plain pillars. It measures 6 m in length and 5 m in width. The shrine houses a colossal monolithic image of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple depicts Varaha as a purely animal form. The idol of Varaha is 2.6 m long and 1.7 high.

The sculpture is carved with numerous figures of Hindu mythology on its entire body. There are more than 675 miniature figures in twelve neatly carved rows on its body. These figures depict the gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon including different manifestations of Lord Shiva, different forms of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Surya, Saraswathi, Ganesha, Saptamatrikas, Nagadevas, Ashta Dikpalakas, Saptha Rishis, Navagrahas, river goddesses, the seas, the Rudras and Gandharvas.

There was also an image of earth goddess, however it is missing now but traces of her can be seen in the pedestal. A crawling serpent can be seen on the pedestal beneath the Varaha. The sculpture carved between nose and mouth, depicts goddess (of Saraswathi) carrying Veena in her arms. The flat ceiling of the shrine is carved with a lotus flower of exquisite design in relief.

Connectivity

Location

Ghantai Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Ghantai Temple is a ruined Jain temple dedicated to the Jain tirthankara Adinatha located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is also known as the Ghanti temple and considered part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been constructed in 995 CE during the reign of the Chandela King Dhanga Deva (950-999 CE). It is similar to the Parshvanatha temple but was constructed after the Parshvanatha temple. When the British archaeological surveyor Alexander Cunningham visited in 1852, he assumed this temple to be a Buddhist shrine because of a Buddha statue found near the site. However, later studies have established it to be a Jain temple. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple is similar in style to the Parshvanatha temple, but it is larger in size. The temple was dedicated to the Jain tirthankara Rishabhnath (also known as Adinatha). The temple is now in ruins and its walls have been collapsed completely. Only the pillars of the entrance porch and the maha mandapa have survived. The maha mandapa has an elaborate doorway, but the enclosing walls have collapsed. The door lintel of the mandapa features Adinatha's yakshini attendant Chakresvari. She is depicted as having eight arms and sitting on a garuda. The architrave on the doorway features carvings of six auspicious symbols said to have been dreamt by Mahavira's pregnant mother.

The surviving pillars feature a chain and bell (ghanti) motif, after which the temple is now known. The ceiling of the entrance porch features coffers. The oblong panels bordering the ceiling are carved with figures of dancers and musicians. A large sculpture, now located at the Khajuraho museum, was found at the Ghantai temple ruins. This sculpture features figures of 52 Jinas, including a central figure of Rishabhnath standing in kayotsarga pose. The sculpture also features Sarvanubhuti on its left side and a four-armed Chakresvari on its right side.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 6 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 13 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location

Jain Museum, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Jain Museum is situated inside Group of Temples, located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Museum is considered part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This Museum is also called as Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya. It houses several ancient Jain artefacts and remains from Chandella period excavated in and around Khajuraho.

Connectivity

The Museum is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 10 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 13 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Shantinatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Shantinatha Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to the Jain tirthankara Shantinatha located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is one of a cluster of three Jain temples considered part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

This temple complex consists of two Chandella period shrines, along with fragment of other Chandella period temples. The present structure might have been constructed in 1870 CE, when a Gajarath festival was organized by Kanchhedtilal Jain of Nagaur marking a renewal of the site accompanied by installations of new images, as indicated by the inscriptions. The pedestal of the 12 foot Shantinatha image in the Shantinatha temple bears an inscription dated to 1027-28 CE mentioning the installation by Chandra Deva, the son of Thakur Devadhar. The inscription is now hidden under plaster. The original Shantinatha temple has been incorporated the 19^th century structure and is now the main centre of Jain worship in Khajuraho. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The current temple complex features modern construction but the temple houses two Chandella period shrines, along with fragment of other Chandella period shrines and modern shrines of 19^th Century CE. The present structure is a quadrangle housing 19^th century Jain shrines with an open courtyard in the middle. The ancient stone structure and elements are clearly seen embedded in the 19^th century structure.

The Shantinatha shrine is the prime place of Jaina worship. It enshrines a colossal (4.5 m high) image of Adinatha. The pedestal of the Shantinatha image bears an inscription dated to 1027-28 CE mentioning the installation by Chandra Deva, the son of Thakur Devadhar. The inscription is now hidden under plaster. The Shantinatha image is flanked by smaller images of all the 24 tirthankara. Ganga and Yamuna can be seen in the doorjambs. Idol of a 12^th century CE dancing Kshetrapala can be seen at the entrance.

There is an impressive sculpture of a Yaksha can be seen inside the temple. There are about 18 shrines in the temple complex housing idols dating from 10^th – 19^th Century CE. Some of the idols were brought from the ruins of Jain temples in nearby districts. There is a gallery displaying historical photographs and prints from early 20^th century CE in the quadrangle. There is a sculpture of Mahavira's parents in the temple premises. It is noted for its artistic execution.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 10 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 13 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Parvati Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Parvati Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This temple is situated immediately to the south west of the Visvanatha temple.

The Temple

This temple is considered as one of the subsidiary shrine of Vishvanatha temple. The temple consisted of sanctum and entrance porch. The porch is completely lost and only the plinth of the sanctum has survived. The Sanctum is heavily restored. Though, the temple is called as Parvati temple, the deity inside the sanctum is river goddess Ganga. She is found standing on her vehicle crocodile. However, the sanctum door has an image of Vishnu in the middle of the lintel indicates the door might have belonged to Vishnu Shrine. The Sanctum door is highly ornate. The side and back walls do not have any sculptures.

Connectivity

Location

Lakshmi Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Lakshmi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This Temple is located next to Varaha Temple and opposite to Lakshmana Temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. It houses an image of Brahmini, but originally it housed Garuda, mount of Lord Vishnu. The temple is constructed on high raised platform and can be accessed through a flight of steps. The temple consists of mukha mandapa and sanctum. The shikhara over the sanctum is of modest height only when compared to other temples in the compound. The side and back walls do not have any sculptures.

Connectivity

Location

Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is also known as Jatkari Temple on the name of the village Jatkari, where it is located. This temple is considered as part of the southern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been built around 1100 CE during the reign of Chandela King Yashovarman.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and built on a raised platform. This temple is similar in plan to the Javari Temple. This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa and entrance porch. The temple is saptaratha on plan. The sanctum houses a colossal image of Lord Vishnu. He is four armed and about 9 feet tall. The lower hands are broken, upper right hand is showing Abhaya Mudra and left upper hand holds Veda and lotus.

The Shikara is heavy and free from subsidiary shikaras. The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, dwarfs, Ashta Dikpalakas, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures. This is the only temple in Khajuraho which lacks erotic sculptures. The cardinal niches of the sanctum wall has Narasimhi on the north, four-armed Lord Shiva seated on bull on east and Ardhanariswara on south.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 10 Kms from Rajnagar, 11 Kms from Bamitha, 40 Kms from Chhatarpur, 46 Kms from Panna and 378 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Javari Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Javari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The temple is called as Javari temple, due to Javara (millet) growing in nearby fields. The temple is located at about 200 meters south of the Vamana Temple.

History

The temple is believed to have been built between 1075 CE and 1100 CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum. this temple resembles Chaturbuja temple in plan. The temple measures 39 feet in length and 21 feet 4 inch. The Temple has remarkable Makara Torana (Capricorn Arch) at the entrance porch. This temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam and Ardha Mandapam.

The lintel of the entrance door of sanctum has carvings of Navagrahas. Hindu trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva can also be seen along with the carvings of Navagrahas. The sanctum houses four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu. The idol is broken and headless. It has two bands of carved sculptures on the outer wall.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Hanuman Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is situated on the Jain Mandir Road on the way to Jain Temples from Gol Market.

The Temple

This Temple is a newly built shrine to house the colossal idol of Hanuman. The Idol is about 2.5 meters high. The idol is completely coated with red paint. It has short dedicatory inscription of 316 of possibly Harsha era (AD 922), the oldest inscription of Khajuraho. Thus, making this idol as one of the earliest inscribed idols of Hanuman to be found anywhere in India.

Inscription

There is an inscription at the base of the idol and dated to the 10^th century CE. The inscription was first noticed by Alexander Cunningham in the 19^th century CE. D. R. Bhandarkar revisited the inscription in 1904 and published a new reading, in addition to a fresh interpretation of the date. The inscription gives a date of 316 of Harsha Era. Thus, dated to 922 CE. The inscription is written in Sanskrit in three lines. The inscription reads as follows Gollaka, the son of Gahila, having beheld the unmanifest Hari, afterward made this religious work, the glorious Hanuman, the son of the wind.

Connectivity

Location

Bhairava Idol, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Bhairava Idol is located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This idol is situated outside the fenced enclosure of the western group of temples at Khajuraho, on the way to the Matangesvara Temple.

History

This Idol seems to be of early 10^th century CE based on architecture style. In 1865 CE, Major Alexander Cunningham reported that this idol was found during excavations for stones to build Chhatri for Pratap Singh, the Maharaja of Chhatarpur.

The Idol

This colossal idol is about two metres high. He is in standing posture holding a staff, cup and lotus stalk. It is coated in red lead and is still in worship today.

Connectivity

The idol is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location

Adinatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Adinatha Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to the Jain tirthankara Adinatha located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is one of a cluster of three Jain temples considered part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is situated to the north of Parsvanatha temple. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is dated to the late 11^th century CE and probably constructed slightly later than the Vamana temple. The Adinatha Idol in the sanctum has a three-line inscription dated to 1158 CE. It gives the name of the donor as Kumarnandi and the sculptor as Ramaveva. It mention that Kumarnandi was the disciple of Bhanukirti, who was disciple of Rajanandi, who was disciple of Ramachandra of Mula Sangha. The inscription includes 3 shardulavikridita verses in literary Sanskrit. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple is smaller than the Parsvanatha temple and is situated to the north of it. The design of the Adinatha temple is similar to the Vamana temple. It is a nirandhara temple of which only the sanctum and antrala have survived. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Ardha Mandapam. The Ardha Mandapam is a much later addition. The Adinatha is shown sitting in padmasana pose on a cushioned seat with lotuses and diamond motifs.

One sculpture found at the temple shows a sitting Adinatha with an ushnisha on his head. It features a Dharmachakra with a small bull figure. The right side of the seat has the figure of a pot-bellied Yaksha with a cup and a moneybag in his hands. The left side has the figure of the yakshini Chakresvari sitting on a Garuda. She has four arms; each of the two upper arms hold a chakra. There is another sculpture with similar iconography features a Yaksha, a yakshini, and a bull with a Dharmachakra.

The exterior walls of the temple have three bands of sculptures featuring surasundaris (graceful women), flying vidyadhara couples, vyalas (mythical lion-like being), and a dancer with musicians. Despite the shrine's Jain affiliation, the external walls also feature carvings of the Hindu deities. The niches houses sculptures of the Jain Yakshinis Ambika, Chakresvari and Padmavati.

Connectivity

Location

Vamana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Vamana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been built between 1050 CE and 1075 CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum. This temple is saptaratha on plan. It measures 19.1 meters in length and 13.9 meters in breath. The temple stands on raised platform. It consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa with lateral transepts and an entrance porch. Only the plinth of entrance arch has survived. The Sanctum enshrines a five feet tall idol of Vamana, dwarf incarnation of Vishnu with figures of incarnation of Vishnu carved on its framework.

Buddha can be seen among the incarnations of Lord Vishnu in Bhumisparsha Mudra. The sikhara is not hidden by any subsidiary sikharas and is embellished with well ornamented chaitya arches. This style is in contrast to the other temples in Khajuraho. Also, the erotic scenes are absent here except in the subsidiary niches of the proof pediments. There is a peculiar roof over Maha Mandapa called as Samvarana. It was prevalent in the medieval temples of western India.

The main niches in the upper row of the sanctum contains images of Brahma with his consort, marriage of Hara & Gouri and Vishnu with his consort. The main niches in the lower row of the sanctum contains Vaishnava images of Varaha, Narasimha and Vamana. The absence of the dhammilla type of headdress on the surasundari figures indicates that the temple is later than the Khandariya Mahadeva temple. There are only two bands of reliefs on the external representing Hindu gods & goddesses, female figures and mythical creatures.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Parshvanatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Parshvanatha Temple is a Jain temple dedicated to the Jain tirthankara Parshvanatha located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is one of a cluster of three Jain temples considered part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Chandela King Dhanga Deva (950-999 CE). There is a Nagari inscription of 11 lines dated to 954 CE on the left door jamb of the temple records gifts and endowments of gardens by one Pahila. The gardens listed in the inscription are Pahila Vatika, Chandra Vatika, Laghuchandra Vatika, Shankara Vatika, Panchaitala Vatika, Amra Vatika and Dhanga Vatika. The inscription describes Pahila as a devotee of Jinanatha and states that he was held in great esteem by the king Dhanga.

It is believed that the earliest idol enshrined in the temple appears to have been that of Adinatha. When the British archaeological surveyor Alexander Cunningham visited in 1852, he found the main sanctum deserted. He recorded that the temple was renovated by a Jain banker in 1847. The present Parshvanatha Idol was installed in the main sanctum in 1860 CE. An Idol of Adinatha statue was installed in a secondary shrine attached to the rear of the temple. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Parshvanatha temple is the largest among the Jain temples of Khajuraho. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam and an entrance porch. This is a sandhara temple, having common ambulatory passage around its sanctum, Antrala and Maha Mandapam. Though it is a sandhara temple, the transepts with the balconied windows, which are so characteristic of the developed Khajuraho temple style, are absent.

The external walls only has perforated windows to admit light inside. The temple structure has an oblong architectural plan with projections at two ends. The front (eastern) projection forms the entrance porch, the back (western) projection is a shrine attached to the sanctum. This shrine houses an idol of Adinatha. The ceiling of the entrance porch features chain and floral patterns, and a pair of intertwined flying Vidyadharas.

The door-lintel of the mandapa has the sculpture of Adinatha's attendant: a ten-armed Chakresvari riding a Garuda. The sanctum houses an idol of Parsvanatha. The outer walls have three bands of sculptures. These sculptures feature surasundaris (graceful women), flying couples, dancers, musicians, and celestial beings. Despite the temple's Jain affiliation, the outer walls also depict Vaishnavite themes including sculptures of Hindu gods and their incarnations with their consorts.

These include Vishnu-Lakshmi, Rama-Sita, Balarama-Revati, Parashurama, Hanuman, Brahma and Yamalarjuna legend of Krishna. These sculptures are similar to those of the Lakshmana Temple in modeling, proportions and poise. Unlike the Lakshmana temple, the Parshvanatha temple doesn't feature explicit erotic sculptures, although one particular image appears to show a cross-legged apsara masturbating with an object.

The temple has an inscription with a magic square, called the Jaina square. This is one of the oldest known 4×4 magic squares, as well as one of the oldest known most-perfect magic squares. This magic square contains all the numbers from 1 to 16. The sum of the numbers in every horizontal row, every vertical column and the two diagonal rows is 34. The magic square is diabolic: the numbers in its broken diagonals also sum up to 34.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is an ekakuta shrine (single shrine with a superstructure). The temple has an original outer wall with unique equally spaced circular carvings. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, navaranga with an entrance porch on its southern side and mukha mandapa with entrances on its three sides.

The mukha mandapa has 29 bays out of which 25 are equal bays in the hall and the rest 4 bays are projecting out on each side. The external wall of the mukha mandapa are carved with several miniature shikaras. It also has miniature carvings depicting the legends of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela. The mukha mandapa in the east side is extended into a pillared sabha mandapa.

The sabha mandapa is the most ornate part of this temple. The ceilings are decorated with floral motifs. The mandapa also houses panels depicting the legends of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. Shrine for Goddess Saraswathi can be seen on the southern side of sabha mandapa. The entrance of the navaranga is guarded by dvarapalas. It has nine bays of equal size.

The ceilings are decorated with Ashta Dikpalakas, Ganesha, Shiva, Kartikeya, Venugopala, Brahma and different geometrical & floral designs. Idols of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saptamatrikas, Nagas, Veerabhadra, Vishnu and Shiva can be seen in the Navaranga. The sukanasi has a carved image of Gajasamharamoorthy and royal emblem of Sala slaying the lion can be seen on the top of the sukanasi. The lintel of the antrala has a carving of Nataraja accompanied by Brahma and Vishnu.

The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Amrutesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga. The idol of Sharadha Devi can be seen next to the Linga. The shikara over the sanctum is of seven tiers and follows vesara style. The shikara is adorned with sculptures of Kirtimukhas. The miniature decorative towers can be seen below shikara on the exterior walls of the sanctum instead of the niche images.

Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura – Inscriptions

There is an inscription on a stone slab near the entrance porch on the southern side of the temple. This inscription is dated to 1196 CE during the reign of Hoysala king Veera Ballala II. It records the genealogy of Hoysalas, story of sala slaying the tiger, his military exploits, his temple building activities, genealogy of Hoysala General Amritesvara Dandanayaka and his public works. This inscription records the construction of this temple, grants made to this temple and offerings made to the priests and workers of this temple.

This inscription was composed by the renowned court poet Kavi Chakravarty (emperor among poets) Janna who contributed immensely to the Kannada literature of medieval Karnataka. It was written by Nakanna, who was a disciple of Lokkigundi Mahadevanna and engraved by the sculptor Malloja. There is another inscription on a stone slab near the entrance porch on the northern side of the temple.

This inscription is dated to 1206 CE during the reign of Hoysala king Veera Ballala II. It records the genealogy of Hoysalas and his military exploits. This inscription records the gifts, grants and renovations carried out by a servant of the king named Maha Samanta Chudamani Naga Gounda and his family. There is an inscriptional slab on the south side of the temple dated to 1210 CE. It records the gift and taxes paid to the temple.

There is an inscriptional slab in front of Basava temple dated to 1547 CE during the reign of Vijayanagara King Sadasiva Raya. It records the gift of perpetual lamp and grant of lands made to this temple by a government official named Tirupati Ramarajayya. There is another inscription dated to 1547 CE in the same slab recording the visit of Ali Khan Sahib and his grants to the village.

There are two hero stones (Veera Kal) dated to 1214 CE and another two hero stones (Veera Kal) dated to 1287 CE in the temple premises. Some of the ceilings of navaranga have labels on the sides below giving the names of sculptors who made them. The names mentioned are Mallitamma, Paduman, Baluga, Malaya, etc.

Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura, Karnataka

Amrutesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Amruthapura Village in Tarikere Taluk in Chikkamagaluru District in Karnataka, India. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built in 1196 CE by Hoysala General Amritesvara Dandanayaka under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. Ruvari Mallitamma, one of the most famous sculptors of Karnataka, is said to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mandapa.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/04/amrutesvara-temple-amruthapura-temple.html

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/04/amrutesvara-temple-amruthapura-inscriptions.html

Prayers

Devotees pray here to be blessed with wealth & education and relief from diseases.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 8 Kms from Tarikere Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Tarikere Railway Station, 32 Kms from Kadur, 48 Kms from Shivamogga, 64 Kms from Chikkamagaluru, 259 Kms from Bengaluru and 282 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Kadur to Shivamogga route close to Tarikere town.

Location | Photos

Chenna Kesava Temple, Sompalle, Andhra Pradesh

Chenna Kesava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located at Sompalle village in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple was built by a local chieftain of the later Cholas and considerably improved by Vijayanagara kings during early 16^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. Only two tiers exist now. Dhwaja Sthambam and Deepa Sthambam can be found before Rajagopuram, facing the sanctum. Dhwaja Sthambam is about 52 feet high monolithic pillar on a high base with intricate carvings throughout. There is a ruined pillared Mandapa to the left of the Rajagopuram. Balipitha and Garuda Shrine can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. Kalyana Mandapa can be found in front of the Sanctum in Maha Mandapa. It consists of four columns raised on a platform decorated with friezes. The columns are richly carved with miniature figures, animals and scrollwork. It is dvitala temple, the second tala in brick having koshta, panjara and sala. It has a cornice with slight projections in the central part.

Specimens of mural art depicting scenes of Ramayana can be seen on the ceilings of the Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The temple is noted for its monolithic pillars, a perfect example of Vijayanagara workmanship. The columns, the brackets and the doorways are carved with miniature figures, animals and scrollwork. The stone car with four granite wheels, Uyyala mandapa, and small mandapa with tall pillars are notable features of this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Sompalle Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Mulakala Cheruvu Railway Station, 20 Kms from Thamballapalle, 40 Kms from Horsley Hills and 47 km from Madanapalle, 133 Kms from Bengaluru Airport, 143 Kms from Bengaluru and 148 Kms from Tirupati. The Temple is situated on Mulakala Cheruvu to Thamballapalle route. Devotees can reach Sompalle from Horsley Hills or Madanapalle by taking Kadiri bound bus and get down at Mulakala Cheruvu. Sompalle can be reached by bus, auto or shared taxis.

Location | Photos

Bhairavakona Cave Temples, Andhra Pradesh

Bhairavakona Cave Temples are group of eight rock cut cave temples situated amidst Nallamala forest near Ambavaram Village in Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. These rock cut cave temples are similar to Mamallapuram rock cut cave temples with certain Rashtrakuta and Chalukyan influences. The temple complex has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/04/bhairavakona-cave-temples-legends.html

History

The Temple Complex was built during the period 600 – 630 CE by Pallava King Mahendra Varma and later extensively renovated by Chola rulers during 8^th – 11^th Century CE.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/04/bhairavakona-cave-temples-temple-complex.html

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Pournami are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple Complex is located at about 7 Kms from Ambavaram, 18 Kms from Seetharamapuram, 24 Kms from Chandrasekarapuram, 43 Kms from Udayagiri, 88 Kms from Giddalur Railway Station, 122 Kms from Kadapa, 139 Kms from Nellore and 231 Kms from Tirupati Airport. The temple is situated on Udayagiri to Giddalur route. Udayagiri is well connected to Seetharamapuram by APSRTC Buses. Bhairavakona can be reached from Seetharamapuram by Share Autos and Autos.

Location | Photos

Bhairavakona Cave Temples – Legends

Bhairava Kona:

As per legend, once, a shepherd named Kalabhairava Kondaiah lived at this hill. Once, this place suffered shortage of water from drought, he was unable to provide enough water to his cattle. He prayed to Lord Shiva that he would offer himself to Lord Shiva if water scarcity problem is solved. Suddenly, the water started flowing high and quenched the thirst of his cattle. As promised, Kalabhairava chopped his head and offered himself to Lord Shiva. The body of Kalabhairava was buried at this place. Thus, the place came to be called as Bhairava Kona.

Lord Shiva & Parvati installed Shiva Linga here:

As per legend, Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati descended from their mount Kailash and were attracted towards lush green vegetation, the cascading waterfall and the cave temples. They installed a Shiva Lingam resembling the one at Amarnath.

Kalabhairava Kona:

As per legend, Kalabhairava Kona is named after King Kala Bhairava who ruled over this region in the past.

Bhrugeswara Swamy:

As per legend, it is believed that Sage Bhrigu performed penance on Lord Shiva here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Bhrugeswara Swamy.

Bhairavakona Cave Temples – The Temple Complex

The Temple Complex is group of eight rock cut cave temples situated amidst Nallamala forest. It is situated at an elevation of 230 meters (757 feet). These rock cut cave temples are similar to Mamallapuram rock cut cave temples with certain Rashtrakuta and Chalukyan influences. These cave temples are excavated on the side of granite cliff. The caves can be divided into two groups based on their architecture.

The first group starting from the north have only shrine cells without any mandapa in front. The second group starting from the south have shrine cells with mandapa in front. These eight rock cut cave temples are dedicated to eight forms of Lord Shiva namely Shashinaga, Rudra, Visweswara, Nagarikeswara, Bhargeswara, Rameswara, Mallikarjuna and Pakshamalika Linga.

The Central shrine houses a granite Shiva Linga with its Peeta sculpted from the mother rock. The entrance of the shrine is guarded by dvarapalas on either side. Nandi, sculpted from the mother rock, can be seen in front of the shrine, facing the Linga. The back wall of the shrine has a bas relief of Trimurti. This shrine resembles the Pallava caves at Mandagapattu and Mamallapuram.

This shrine also has an idol of goddess Trimukha Durga Devi. It is said that the rays of the moon falls on Trimukha Durga Devi on the day of Karthika Pournami. There is a cave shrine dedicated to Goddess Annapurna in the temple complex. This Shrine can be accessed through a ladder platform. The northern most end of the cliff has a spectacular bas relief of an eight handed Hari Hara and a ten handed dancing Shiva facing the water falls.

All the shrines houses a granite Shiva Linga with its Peeta sculpted from the mother rock. The entrance of the shrines are guarded by dvarapalas on either side. Nandi, sculpted from the mother rock, can be seen in front of the shrine, facing the Linga. The pillars in the mandapa of these rock cut cave temples are heavily ornate with squatting lions at the base and bulbous capital surmounted by a large abacus. It resembles Mahendra Pallava architectural style.

There are about 101 Shiva Lingas engraved on the rock in the temple complex. Bhairavakona waterfalls is situated near to this temple. It falls from a height of 200 meters. The water from the Lingala Penta falls flows for more than 5 Kms and reaches Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi and Goddess Saraswathi Lake. It flows further and reaches the lakes of Triveni Sangamam and Chitrakoota and then passes before the deity.

26 Shiva Temples, Khardah, West Bengal

26 Shiva Temples are group of Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khardah near Kolkata in North 24 Parganas District in West Bengal, India. These Temples are situated on the banks of Hooghly River. These temples are protected monuments under Archaeological Survey of India, Kolkata circle.

History

These temples were constructed in the early 19^th Century CE by Ramhari Biswas and Prankrishna Biswas, the erstwhile landlords of Khardah.

The Temple Complex

The Temple complex consists of 26 Shiva temples in two groups. The first group is the bigger complex consists of 20 temples. The temples are arranged in rectangular fashion. Six temples are arranged on opposite side and four temples on other sides facing each other. The temple can be accessed through the gate flanked by two temples each on both sides of the gate.

The next group consists of six temples, situated towards the right side of the ghat. All the six temples are placed in single row, facing the Hooghly river. The temples are built on a raised platform made of bricks. All the temples follows Aatchaalaa (eight roofed) style of architecture. Each temple houses a Shiva Linga. The walls of the temples are decorated with ornate design of creeper, flower, niches and plaster.

Festivals

Nil puja on Bengali month of Chaitra is celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple Complex is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khardah Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Khardah Railway Station, 8 Kms from Barrackpore, 16 Kms from Shyambazar, 19 Kms from Kolkata Airport, 20 Kms from Kolkata, 20 Kms from Sealdah Railway Station, 20 Kms from Dharmatala Bus Stand and 21 Kms from Howrah Railway Station. Khardah is easily accessible by road. Buses E32, 56 & GL31 from Howrah, Buses L20, S11 & 78 from Esplanade, Minibuses from Dalhousie Square, Buses C28 & S32 from Barrackpore and private buses from Santragachi connects with Khardah. Any local train from Sealdah station to Krishnagar, Santipur, Ranaghat, Kalyani, Naihati or Barrackpore stops at Khardah. It can also be reached by launch from Rishra.

Location

Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Chitragupta Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been built between 1020 CE and 1025 CE by Chandela Kings. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and similar to Jagadambika temple in plan. The temple measures 23 m in length and 16 m in width. This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa with lateral transepts and Mukha Mandapa. The Maha Mandapa has an octagonal ceiling, which is more ornate than the corresponding ceiling in the Jagadambi temple.

The building has two balconies, and the ascending scale of the roof is not as impressive as that of the larger temples in Khajuraho. The sanctum houses a partially broken 2.1 m (6.9 ft) tall idol of Surya riding a chariot of seven horses. He is shown standing, dressed in an armored coat and boots, and holding lotus flowers. The door lintel of the sanctum also features three similar, but smaller, images of Surya.

The exterior portion above the base has two bands featuring sculptures of various deities, dwarfs, royal processions, dance performances, erotic couples, Ashta Dikpalakas, hunting scenes, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures. The uppermost small row contains erotic couples and teacher disciple groups.

There is an eleven headed Lord Vishnu in the central southern niche of the exterior walls. He is depicted in his Viswaroopa with his ten incarnations. This rare representation is not seen anywhere else and does not find a mention in any historical text. There is also a sculpture of Nandi, mount of Lord Shiva, who is shown with a human body and a bull's head.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Pratapeshwar Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Pratapeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is situated in the western group at Khajuraho. It is considered as the newest temple among the Khajuraho Temples.

History

This Temple was built by Raja Pratap Singh in 19^th century CE. The temple was closed in 1956 due to the States Reorganization Act, and the state archaeology department was unable to take care of the building thereafter. So, the doors remained locked until late 2016.

The Temple

This Temple is situated in the same complex which houses Vishwanatha Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and Devi Jagadambi Temple. This Temple consists of Ardha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Sanctum. This Temple has a mix of three different architectural styles. It has a Rajputana dome over Ardha Mandapa, a pagoda style of ceiling over Maha Mandapa middle, and a typical Shikhara over the sanctum. The Sanctum houses black polished Linga.

Connectivity

Location

Jagadambika Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Jagadambika Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva, located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This temple is situated to the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

History

The temple is believed to have been built between 1000 CE and 1025 CE by Chandela Kings. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and is considered as one of the most finely decorated temples at Khajuraho. This temple is similar to Chitragupta temple in plan. This temple is situated to the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and shares the same raised platform. The temple measures 22 m in length and 13 m in width. This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum.

The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa with lateral transepts and Mukha Mandapa. The Sanctum now houses an image of Parvati called Jagadambi / Jagadambika. This temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu as reflected by the central image of the sanctum door and from images in cardinal niches as well.

The square ceiling of its maha mandapa is much simpler than the octagonal ceiling of the Chitragupta temple, which thus appears to be relatively more ornate and evolved and therefore slightly later in date than this temple. The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, dwarfs, Ashta Dikpalakas, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Vishwanatha Temple, Khajuraho – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and measures 27.5 metres (90 ft) in length & 13.7 metres (45 ft) in width. This temple comes midway between the Lakshmana temple and Kandariya Mahadeva temple in architectural style. This temple follow nagara style of architecture. This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines.

Out of four subsidiary shrines, only two shrines have survived in the north-east and south-west corners. This is the only temple at Khajuraho which had a Nandi pavilion in front of the temple. The temple is constructed on high raised jagati (platform) which is approached by a fleet of steps. The stairs leading from the base to the porch are flanked by lions on one side, and elephants on the other side.

This temple consists of Mukha Mandapa (porch), Mandapa (assembly hall), Maha Mandapa (dance hall), Antarala (vestibule) and Garbhagriha (sanctum) enclosed by an ambulatory with transepts on the sides, on the rear and on elevation. This is a sandhara temple, having common ambulatory passage around its sanctum. The sanctum has balconies on three sides for light and ventilation.

The sanctum has a stone Linga; the emerald Linga mentioned in the inscription is missing. The interior features faceted pillars in all the rooms. The ceiling and the brackets supporting it are intricately carved. However, the bracket figures in the large hall are now badly worn. The niches of the sanctum wall has Shiva’s manifestations namely Andhakantaka (subduing Andhaka demon), Nataraja (cosmic dancer) and Ardhanareeshwara (half-male and half-female representation of Lord Shiva and Parvathy).

The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures. The surasundaris are shown performing various day-to-day activities, such as applying sindoor (vermilion powder) to their foreheads and kohl to their eyes, wringing their hair after bathing, playing flute, plucking thorn from their feet, dancing, admiring themselves in a mirror, dressing or simply posing provocatively.

Their hairstyles, patterned garments, ornaments and expressive faces are noticeable in these sculptures. The north and south walls of the temple feature erotic reliefs. The junction of the vestibule and the sanctum features a variation of the famous acrobatic sex sculpture at the Kandariya Mahadeva temple. Like the Kandariya sculpture, this one also features a couple supported by two women, but in this sculpture, the man is on the top.

The woman at the bottom fingers the woman on the left with one hand, while her other hand rests on the ground for support. Some sculptures feature men indulging in bestiality, as women cover their eyes. The base of the temple has several niches with sculptures of the Saptamatrikas (seven goddesses), Shiva's consort Parvati and a dancing Ganesha. This is the first temple at Khajuraho having the peculiar arrangement of Saptamatrikas around the exterior walls of the temple.

These are placed in counter circumambulatory manner. The similar arrangement was later adopted in Kandariya Mahadeva temple. The theme of an apsara removing the scorpion from her body is one of the common and earliest motif carved in the Khajuraho temples. This representation might depict fertility. Khajuraho might have derived its name from this representation as Khajura means scorpion in Sanskrit.

Vishwanatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Vishwanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is considered as one of the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple was constructed by Chandela King Dhanga Deva (950 AD – 999 AD) in 999 AD as per the dedicatory inscription now affixed to the porch of the Vishwanatha temple. This inscription mentions that Dhanga's descendant Jayavarman had it re-written in clear letters in 1116 AD. This inscription gives the genealogy of Chandela Kings from Nannuka to Dhanga. It states that Dhanga Deva constructed a magnificent Shiva temple with two Lingas. One Linga named as Marakateshvara was made of emerald and the other Linga named as Pramathanatha was made of stone. The inscription appears to have been issued after Dhanga's death.

It states that after living for more than a hundred years, Dhanga attained moksha by abandoning his body in the waters of Ganga and Yamuna. Unlike some other Chandela temple inscriptions, it does not mention the Pratihara overlords of the Chandelas. This suggests that the Chandelas were no longer vassals of the Pratiharas by this time. As per the inscription, the architect of the temple was Sutradhara Chhichha, who was well versed in Vishwakarma architectural tradition. The emerald Linga was already missing when British Archeologist Alexander Cunningham visited this temple in 1864 AD.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/03/vishwanatha-temple-khajuraho-temple.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Nandi Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Nandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to bull mount of Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is situated opposite to Vishvanatha Temple and considered as an integral part of the Viswanatha temple. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

The Temple

This Temple stands in front of Vishvanatha Temple and is facing towards west. This Shrine is considered as an integral part of the Viswanatha temple. The temple measures 9.5 m in length and 9.4 m in width. The temple stands on a raised rectangular platform and can be accessed by flight of steps. The plan of the main structure is of the shape of cross quadrate (combination of cross and rectangle), where the rectangle form the sanctum and the cross edges form the four balconies (one on each side). The temples walls are like balcony walls and do not cover the sanctum completely.

The roof rests on twelve pillars (one at each corner). This shrine houses a colossal idol of Nandi. It is about 2.2 m long and 1.8 m high. The border design is made of carvings depicting elephant (front view with head, trunk and two legs). Human figures are also depicted on both side of elephant. The sculpture of Lord Shiva (with trishula on right shoulder and snake on left shoulder) can also be seen on outer roof and wall (along with border design). Erotic sculpture of couples are also seen on the outer roof.

Connectivity

Location

Matangesvara Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Matangesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the only Hindu temple among the Chandela era monuments still actively used for worship. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

Legends

As per legend, Matanga Rishi manifested in form of a lingam, and controlled the god of love. His hermitages were located at Khajuraho, Kedarnath, Varanasi and Gaya. These are now the sites of four Matangesvara temples.

History

The temple is believed to have been built between 900 CE and 925 CE by Chandela Kings. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is the plainest and earliest among the sandstone temples of Khajuraho. It is in active worship and is the holiest of the Khajuraho temples. It is a grand elaboration of Brahma temple on plan and design. It has a square plan. It is 24.5 feet square inside 35 feet square outside with windows on three sides and a projection portico with flight of steps on the east side. It is not richly decorated.

Its interior walls, exterior walls and curvilinear tower are devoid of carvings. The ceiling features elementary floral cusps. The Sanctum houses a 2.5 m high lingam, which is 1.1 m in diameter. The base platform of the lingam is 1.2 m high and 7.6 m in diameter. The lingam has Nagari and Persian inscriptions. The sanctum floor is almost completely occupied by a large Gauri-patta (6.2 m in diameter). The roof over the sanctum is pyramidal.

Festivals

During Shivaratri in February or March, a three-day ceremony is organized here to celebrate Shiva's marriage. It is attended by around 25,000 people. The lingam is bathed, dressed and decorated like a human bridegroom during the ceremony.

Connectivity

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva, located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. This temple is situated to the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is located to the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and shares the same raised platform. The temple consists of Sanctum and entrance porch. The sanctum is completely lost but the entrance porch is intact. The entrance porch is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The entrance porch houses a sculpture of Sardula (warrior and a lion), a famous theme in Chandela time. This temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva as reflected by the central image of the sanctum door.

Connectivity

Location

Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho – The Temple

This Temple is built on a 5.4 m high platform to the south-west of the Shiva Sagar tank. It has a rectangular plan measuring 31.4 m x 18.3 m. It is considered as one of the historic Yogini temples across India. Many of these temples have circular plan but few were rectangular in plan. This Temple is rectangular in plan and the temples in Rikhiyan and Badoh are also rectangular. Like all Yogini temples, the Khajuraho temple is hypaethral, open to the air.

The temple is made of large, coarse granite blocks, with an open courtyard at the centre. The courtyard was originally surrounded by 65 shrine cells: 10 on the front (north) wall, 11 on the back wall, and 22 on each side. Only 35 of these 65 cells now survive; each has a small doorway made of two squared granite pillars and a lintel stone, and a curvilinear tower roof.

Above the lintel of the best-surviving cells is a triangular pediment. There is no surviving trace of a central shrine, whether to Shiva or the Goddess, as found in other Yogini temples. Apart from a single much larger cell for the deity, each of the 64 cells for yoginis is approximately 1 m high and 1 m deep. The large cell is located at the centre of the back wall and faces the entrance at the north.

It was probably a shrine of Durga. The other 64 cells presumably housed the statues of yoginis. There are no sculptures remain among the temple ruins except the three large idols of mother goddesses or Matrikas, are now in the Khajuraho museum. The goddesses have been identified as Brahmini, Maheshwari, and Mahishamardini.

The image of Brahmini has three faces; her vehicle is a hamsa (swan or goose). Maheshwari is depicted with a trident and a humped bull. The image of Mahishamardini has one foot on a buffalo that she has defeated; she is holding its legs, and in two of her eight arms she wields a sword and shield. These idols are among the oldest sculptures of Khajuraho.

Archeological Museum, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Archeological Museum is located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the best archeological museums in Madhya Pradesh.

History

This Museum was set up in 1910 by W.A. Jardine, an officer of the British Empire to preserve the loose sculptures found around the temples in Khajuraho. Initially, the remnants of the temples were assembled and preserved in an enclosure near the Matangesvara Temple in the Western Group of Temples. This open-air museum was known as Jardine Museum. The Archaeological Survey of India took over and renamed it as the Archaeological Museum in 1967.

The Museum

The museum comprises of five galleries. It has about 2000 sculptures on display belonged to various religious traditions like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The most prominent among the collections is four headed Vishnu, known as Vaikuntha. This central head is human, while the other three are of Hayagriva, Narasimha and Varaha.

Museum Timings

The Museum remain open from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM daily except Fridays.

Connectivity

The Museum is located at about 2 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Rajnagar, 6 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 10 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 13 Kms from Bamitha, 39 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 396 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Lalguan Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is the least visited and most remote temple in the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is situated on the bank of Lalguan Sagar Lake. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been built around 900 CE by Chandela Kings. It is the second oldest surviving temple at Khajuraho, after the Chausath Yogini temple. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and similar to Brahma Temple on plan. This temple consists of sanctum and entrance porch. The temple is now in ruins. The curvilinear tower of its sanctum has fallen, and the entrance porch had disappeared. The only carving on the doorway is a diamond motif. This temple belongs to a transitional phase in temple building at Khajuraho, when sandstone was introduced but granite had not ceased to be used as building material.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 12 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 16 Kms from Bamitha, 45 Kms from Chhatarpur, 51 Kms from Panna and 383 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai. The route to this temple is not well known. Hence, take the help of the locals to reach this temple.

Location

Brahma Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Brahma Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as part of the eastern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Khajur Sagar Tank.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 925 CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is similar to the Lalguan Mahadeva temple in plan. This temple is made of granite while most of the other temples in Khajuraho are made of sandstone. This temple was built during a period in which a transition was occurring from granite to sandstone. The shikhara over the sanctum is made of sandstone and rest were made of granite. The temple originally consisted of a porch and Sanctum.

The porch has been completely destroyed and only the sanctum remains. The Sanctum is cruciform in shape externally and contains projections in each side. The projection on the east contains the entrance and the west is provided with a smaller entrance, while the other projections contain plain latticed windows. It is square in shape internally and rests on 12 pilasters of granite. The main doorway is devoid of decorations.

It contains a sculpture of Trimurtis on the lintel and Ganga and Yamuna at the base. The temple might have originally been dedicated to Vishnu as shown by his figure carved centrally on the lintel of the doorway. The sanctum houses a four faced lingam (Chathur Mukha Linga). Locals mistook this representation of Lord Shiva as Brahma who has four faces. Hence, the temple is incorrectly called as Brahma Temple.

Connectivity

Location

Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is considered as one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho. It is considered as one of the historic Yogini temples across India and rectangular in plan against the tradition of circular plan. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple is believed to have been built around 885 CE. This Temple is considered as one of the oldest temple in Khajuraho. Ruins of Yogini temples have been found at other places in and around the territory formerly ruled by the Chandelas or their feudatories, including Badoh, Bhedaghat Dudahi, Lokhari, Hinglajgarh, Mitaoli, Nareshwar and Rikhiyan. This suggests that the cult of the Yoginis was well established in the Chandela territory. The Chausath Yogini temples are connected to the Kapalika and Kaula sects. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/03/chausath-yogini-temple-khajuraho-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho – The Temple

The Lakshmana Temple is situated in the western complex and considered to be the oldest among the western group temples. This Temple is similar to Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in plan and design. This Temple is facing towards east and measures 30 metres in length & 14 metres in width. The temple is about 80 feet tall from the ground level. This temple follow nagara style of architecture.

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. Each subsidiary shrine is like a separate temple with a sanctum and entrance porch supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The subsidiary shrine at the back faces east and the subsidiary shrines at the front faces each other.

The temple is constructed on high raised jagati (platform) of 10 feet height which is approached by a fleet of steps. The temple is entered via an arched gateway, adorned with makara torana. This temple consists of Mukha Mandapa (porch), Mandapa (assembly hall), Maha Mandapa (dance hall), Antarala (vestibule) and Garbhagriha (sanctum) enclosed by an ambulatory with transepts on the sides, on the rear and on elevation.

This is a sandhara temple, having common ambulatory passage around its sanctum. The sanctum has balconies on three sides for light and ventilation. The Sanctum is Pancharatha on plan. The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels). The central one being decorated with the ten incarnation of Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum houses an idol of tri-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.

The central head is of human, and two sides of boar (depicting Varaha) and lion (depicting Narasimha). The idol is about 1.3 meters tall. Its shikhara is clustered with minor urushringas. The exterior portion above the base has two bands featuring sculptures of various deities, erotic scenes, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures.

The upper band is carved with interesting scenes from the Krishna legend, including the subjugation of the serpent Kaliya, the elephant Kuvalayapida and the wrestlers Chanura and Sala and the Killing of Putana, etc. The lower band focuses on Lord Shiva manifestations. This is the only temple which preserves the sculpture panel on the platform, depicting everyday life: a royal hunt, battle, dance, musicians, erotic scenes, traders etc.

The cardinal niches of the sanctum wall has incarnations of Lord Vishnu namely Varaha in the south, Narasimha on the west, and Hayagriva in the North. There is a sculpture of sculptor and his disciples at work on the east face of shrine in south east corner. There is also a short pilgrim record dated to 1104 CE on the north face of the north west pillar of the portico of the same temple.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho – The Temple

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is situated in the western complex and considered to be largest among the three groups of the Khajuraho complex of temples. This Temple is slightly similar to Lakshmana Temple in plan but more mature and grandeur than Lakshmana Temple. This Temple is facing towards east and measures 30.5 metres in length & 20 metres in width. The Temple is about 116.5 feet tall from the ground level. This temple follow nagara style of architecture.

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. None of the four subsidiary shrines survived. The temple is constructed on high raised jagati (platform) of 4 metres (13 ft) height which is approached by a fleet of steps.

The platform has two free-standing sardula statues, each supporting with a man at each corner. This is the only temple in Khajuraho where the platform shows projections on the lateral and rear sides. The temple is entered through imposing flight of steps with the last two steps represented as moonstones decorated with the design of a Sankha each side. The mukha mandapa entrance is decorated with a makara torana.

The main shikara is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The shikara has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara, which has 84 miniature spires. The unique feature of this temple is that all the different parts of the temple has their own towers, all smaller than main and receding to the main tower.

There is a unique four-footed (chatushpada) Sadashiva image inside the Maha Mandapa. There are elaborately carved sculptures of gods and goddesses, musicians and apsaras or nymphs in the interior halls. The huge pillars of the halls have architectural features of the vine or scroll motif. There are insets which are carved on the surface with incised patterns in the corners of the halls.

The low niches of base contain images of the Saptamatrikas (seven mothers) between Ganesha and Veerabhadra. The Saptamatrikas are Brahmi seated on a swan of Brahma; Maheshwari with three eyes seated on Shiva's bull Nandi; Kumari; Vaishnavi mounted on Garuda; the boar-headed Varahi; the lion-headed Narasimhi and Chamunda, the slayer of demons Chanda and Munda.

The image of Sardula, a mythical creature with lion face and human limbs in lower panel is a unique figure seen in the temple. The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, dwarfs, Ashta Dikpalakas, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures.

There are erotic sculptures found all around the band are a major attraction among visitors. Some of these erotic sculptures are very finely carved and are in Mithuna (coitus) postures with maidens flanking the couple, which is a frequently noted motif. There is also a male figure suspended upside in coitus posture, a kind of yogic pose, down on his head.

The surasundaris are shown performing various day-to-day activities, such as applying sindoor (vermilion powder) to their foreheads and kohl to their eyes, wringing their hair after bathing, playing flute, plucking thorn from their feet, dancing, admiring themselves in a mirror, dressing or simply posing provocatively. The cardinal niches of the sanctum wall has Shiva’s manifestations namely Andhakantaka (subduing Andhaka demon), Nataraja (cosmic dancer) and Tripurantaka (destroying three cities of demons). This temple also has snake god, goddesses in the corners where the rain water flows.

Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is considered one of the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The temple was built during the reign of Yashovarman I (925 – 950CE) as per an inscription excavated from the base of the temple now fixed in the porch of the temple. The inscription is dated to reign of Dhanga Deva (950 AD – 999 AD) in 954 A.D. It is the long Sanskrit eulogy in 49 verses. This inscription gives the genealogy of Chandela Kings from Nannuka to Dhanga and also mentions about the death of Yashovarman in 954 CE.

The inscription records that Yashovarman, (also called as Lakhsavarman), the seventh Chandela King, constructed a temple to install a Vishnu image, gifted to him by his Pratihara overlord, Devapala, probably the ruler of the Kannauj, who in turn got it from the ruler of Champa region. The image was brought originally from Tibet.

This majestic form of four armed, three headed Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha Vishnu. The deity of the temple is variously known as Lakshmana, Ramachandra or Chaturbuja attesting its Vaishnava affiliation. Dhanga Deva who was ruling in 954 A.D has also been mentioned in the inscription. It is therefore assumed that Lakshmana temple was built just before 954 A.D.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/03/lakshmana-temple-khajuraho-temple.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is the largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the best examples of temples preserved from the medieval period in India. This temple is considered as part of the western group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

History

The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (1003-1035 CE). Vidyadhara, also known as Bida in the recordings of the Muslim historian Ibn-al-Athir was a powerful ruler who fought Mahmud of Ghazni in the first offensive launched by the latter in 1019. This battle was not conclusive, and Mahmud had to return to Ghazni. Mahmud again waged war against Vidyadhara in 1022. He attacked the fort of Kalinjar. The siege of the fort was unsuccessful. It was lifted and Mahmud and Vidyadhara called a truce and parted by exchanging gifts.

Vidyadhara celebrated his success over Mahmud and other rulers by building the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to his family deity Shiva. There is an inscription on a pilaster of the mandapa in the temple mentions the name of the builder of the temple as Virimda, which is interpreted as the pseudonym of Vidyadhara. Its construction is dated to the period from 1025 and 1050 AD. When Alexander Cunningham visited this temple in 1864, he counted 646 figures on the exterior of the temple and 226 figures on the interior.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/03/kandariya-mahadeva-temple-khajuraho-temple.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Duladeo Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Duladeo Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is also called as Kunwar Math and notable for being the latest temple of Khajuraho. This temple is considered as part of the southern group at Khajuraho. This temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other temples in Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The temple is located at about 1 Km to the south west of the cluster of Jain Temples, near the Khudar rivulet.

Legends

As per legend, once, a marriage party was passing through this temple. The bridegroom suddenly fell down and died. He became a divine spirit called as Dulhadeva. Hence, the temple came to be called as Duladeo temple.

History

The temple is believed to have been built around 1130 CE during the reign of Chandela King Madanavarman. It is the last of the temples built during the Chandela period. There is no inscription in the temple except the word Vasala, probably the name of sculptor is repeated several times on the walls and other parts of the temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/03/duladeo-temple-khajuraho-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 7 Kms from Rajnagar, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 41 Kms from Chhatarpur, 47 Kms from Panna and 379 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location | Photos

Duladeo Temple, Khajuraho – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and measures 21 metres in length & 12 metres in width. This temple follow nagara style of architecture. This temple is a nirandhara temple, no ambulatory around its sanctum. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa with lateral transepts and Mukha Mandapa. The sanctum is saptaratha in plan. The Maha Mandapa is spacious and octagonal in shape. Its ceiling has elegantly carved celestial dancers (apsaras).

There are twenty such brackets carved with the apsaras, with two or three apsaras next to each other in each bracket and arranged in the ceiling in a corbelled circle. A figure of Lord Shiva is carved on the lintel at the entrance of the sanctum. The Sanctum houses a Sahasrara Linga. This Linga has 999 Lingas carved all around its body. It is said that going around this Linga for a single time would be equivalent in taking a circumambulation of 1,000 times around it.

This Linga is not the original Linga once housed the sanctum but a later replacement. The shikhara is created in three rows of minor shikharas. The exterior portion above the base has three bands featuring sculptures of various deities, dwarfs, Ashta Dikpalakas, erotic poses, surasundaris (female figures) such as apsaras, and mythical creatures.

The figurines carved in the temple have soft expressive features unlike other temples. The top rows in the facade have sculptures of supernatural beings (vidyadhara) in a vibrant mode. There are sculptures of river goddesses under cover of umbrellas and decorations of clustered petals at entrance of Mukha Mandapam.

Beejamandal Ruins, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Beejamandal Ruins is a ruined Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Jatkari village near Khajuraho town in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Beejamandal is one of eighteen unexplored mounds in the vicinity of Khajuraho. It is situated near Chaturbhuj Temple.

History

Beejamandal was one of the 18 unexplored mounds in the vicinity of Khajuraho. This Temple might have been built between in 8^th century CE. Later, it was reconstructed during Paramara period in the second half of 11^th century by Emperor Naravarman. He was an ardent devotee of Goddess Charchika (also known as Vijaya). Thus, the temple is popularly called as Vijaya Temple. However, due to the large number of incomplete carvings found at the site. It is believed that that the temple was abandoned whilst construction was still in progress. The presence of large number of incomplete carvings and unfinished architectural pieces found round the base of the temple plinth confirms the fact.

The temple was demolished during the rule of Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb (1658 A.D – 1707 A.D) and a mosque was built by Aurangzeb over the demolished remains of the temple and named it as Alamgir Mosque. Cunningham regard this temple as the Vaidyanath temple mentioned in the Grahapati Kokkala inscription. The walls of the mosque fell down in 1991 due to heavy hailstorms in this area. It exposed many Hindu idols buried in the platform. The ASI took control of the area. It was opened to visitors in 1999.

The Temple

This Temple was built on a raised platform and measures 34.6 metres in length. Thus, making this temple longer than the largest temple of Khajuraho namely Kandariya Mahadeva Temple which measures about 30.5 metres. The architectural elements and erotic sculptures found in this ruin are quite similar to the Lakshmana Temple and Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. The plinth is richly decorated with carvings like horses & elephants with riders, flying apsaras, amorous couples, geometrical motifs etc.

However, due to the large number of incomplete carvings found at the site, it is thought that the temple was abandoned whilst construction was still in progress. There is a Linga on top of a pedestal can be seen at the top of the mound. This Linga seems to be a later addition. There is a sheltered area near the mound housing sculptures of Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Sarasvati, Apsaras, Vyalas and architectural fragments.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4.5 Kms from Khajuraho Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Khajuraho Airport, 9 Kms from Khajuraho Railway Station, 11 Kms from Rajnagar, 12 Kms from Bamitha, 39 Kms from Panna, 45 Kms from Chhatarpur and 395 Kms from Bhopal. Khajuraho is situated on Bamitha to Rajnagar route. Khajuraho railway station connects the town by a daily train to Delhi via Mahoba, Jhansi and Gwalior. It provides a daily train connecting to Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal and Udaipur. A local daily train also connects to Kanpur, whilst Varanasi is connected three times a week. Khajuraho Airport has flights to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai.

Location

Chowalloor Shiva Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala

Chowalloor Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Chowalloor, near Guruvayur in Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. It is also considered as one among the five Shiva temples around Guruvayur. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple premises. Daily three poojas are conducted for Lord Shiva.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/chowalloor-shiva-temple-guruvayur-legends.html

The Temple

The temple is facing west and covers an area of about 4 acres. There are no towers on the temple walls. The temple does not have flag mast. The main Balikallu in Balikalpura is about 10 feet tall. Hence, the Shiva lingam cannot be seen from outside. Presiding Deity is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam and is facing west. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. His consort, Parvathy is also housed in the sanctum facing east. The sanctum is in round shape and is of two tiers.

There is a shrine of Subrahmanya Swamy, facing east on the north-west side of the temple premises. There is a shrine of Navagrahas, in the north east corner of the temple complex. Stone idols of Saptha Matrikas in the form of Bimbas, made of Krishnasila can be seen in the temple premises. There are shrines of Ganesha, Ayyappan and Anjaneya in the temple premises.

Festivals

12 Days festival in the month of Ohanu, Shivaratri and Ashtami Rohini are the major festivals of the temple.

Prayers

Pattum Thaliyum Charthal offering to Parvathy is performed to grant marital bliss for the unmarried and also for better marital relationships.

Contact

Chowalloor Shiva Temple,

Kandanassery P.O., Guruvayur,

Thrissur, Kerala – 680 102

Phone: +91 4885 238 166

Email: chowalloorsivakshethram@gmail.com

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Guruvayur Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Guruvayur Railway Station, 5 Kms from Guruvayur, 5 Kms from Choondal, 7 Kms from Kunnamkulam, 24 Kms from Thrissur and 77 Kms from Cochin Airport. The temple is situated on Guruvayur – Choondal Route.

Location

Chowalloor Shiva Temple, Guruvayur – Legends

108 Shiva Temples of Kerala:

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Parasurama created the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari. Parasurama the sixth avatar of Maha Vishnu, he was youngest son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka. It is said that Kerala was reclaimed from the ocean using his axe for donating to Brahmins after killing of King Kartavirya Arjuna and other Kshatriyas. He split this land in to 64 villages (64 gramas). Out of these 64 villages, 32 villages are in between Perumpuzha and Gokarnam and the spoken language was Tulu.

The remaining 32 villages were in Malayalam speaking area between Perumpuzha and Kanyakumari. According legends, after donating the land to Brahmins108 Maha Shiva Lingam and Durga Idols were installed in these 64 villages. These 108 Shiva Temples are mentioned in the Shivala Stotram and song is written in Malayalam language. Of the 108 Siva Temples, 105 temples are situated in Kerala state, 2 temples in Karnataka and 1 in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.

Among these temples, the Lord Shiva of Gokarnam Mahabaleswara Temple in the north and Goddess Kumari of Kanyakumari temple in the south were considered as the protectors of Kerala. The first temple created by Parasurama was the Thrissur Vadakkunnathan Temple and the last one was the Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama.

Equivalent to Vadakkunnathan:

Lord Siva, the deity of Thrissur Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is said to have manifested himself on an umbrella carried by one of his ardent devotees, a pious old Namboothiri from Chowalloor Mazhavannoor Mana (lllam of Namboothiri), who used to walk all the way to Thrissur to have daily darshan of the Lord. When his devotee became too old to walk and worship him regularly, the Lord is said to have accompanied him to his native home in Chowalloor. Later a temple was constructed at the very place where the Lord appeared to his devotee and started regular pooja (Nithya Pooja).

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram, Kerala

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Angadipuram in Malappuram District in Kerala, India. The Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is situated on top of 60 feet high hillock. Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Shiva. However, famous deity is Bhadrakali, locally known as Thirumandhamkunnilamma. She is considered the elder sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. Angadipuram was the capital of Valluvanad Kings. The Temple is believed to be built by ancient Chera Kings. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in Kerala.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/thirumandhamkunnu-temple-angadipuram-legends.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/thirumandhamkunnu-temple-angadipuram-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 04:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM on all days.

Pooja Timings

Venue	Name of Pooja	Timings
Mathrusala	Usha Pooja	6 AM ( Before Dawn )
	Pantheeradi Pooja	9.30 AM
	Ucha Pooja	11.30 AM
	Thirinju Pantheeradi Pooja	4.30 PM
	Athazha Pooja (After Sunset)	8.00 PM
Sree Moola Sthanam	Morning Pooja	Before 7 AM after Usha Pooja at Mathrusala
	Ucha Pooja	10.30 AM
	Athazha Pooja (After Sunset)	7.30 PM

Festivals

Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram (March – April), the annual festival of the temple is an 11-day-long celebration, a major festival in the district of Malappuram. Mangalya Pooja, Kalampattu, Kootticha Procession, Rigveda Laksharchana, Prasadam Ottu, Valiyakandam Nadeel, Attanga Eru, Njaralthu Sangeetholsavam, Chanthattam and Nira are other festivals celebrated here. Several tantric poojas are also performed in the temple throughout the year.

Contact

Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple,

Angadipuram – 679 321

Malappuram, Kerala

Phone: +91 4933 258 820 / 258 555

Fax: +91 4933 253 820

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Angadipuram Temple Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Angadipuram Railway Station, 20 Kms from Malappuram, 41 Kms from Kozhikode Airport and 62 Kms from Palakkad. The Temple is situated Kozhikode – Palakkad Highway. Regular Buses are available from Kozhikode, Palakkad and Malappuram.

Location | Photos

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram – Legends

Thirumandhamkunnu:

King Mandhata of Surya dynasty ruled his kingdom for a long period. He then gave away the kingdom to his successors and chose to meditate on Lord Shiva and attain the Shiva's feet at the end. Lord Shiva was pleased with his penance appeared before the King Mandhata and offered him any boon at Mount Kailash. The king prayed to the lord for an idol to worship till his death. Lord Shiva gave him the most holy Shiva Lingam, used to be worshipped by Mother Parvati. King Mandhata carried the Shiva Lingam on his head and started his journey towards south. He reached the hill now known as Thirumandhamkunnu in Kerala.

The place was abounded with natural beauty and attracted the King. King Mandhata felt the Lingam was heavy and hence the Lingam on ground. Shiva Lingam got struck into the ground and was difficult to move. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva had gifted the Shiva Lingam to the king when his consort Parvati was away for her bath. She did not find the Lingam, when she turned up for worship of the Shiva Lingam. She got upset and enquired about the Lingam. She came to know that Lord Shiva gifted the Lingam to the King Mandhata. She wanted the Lingam as she was much attached to it.

Lord Shiva told her that he had no objection to get the Lingam back from the King. Mother Parvati ordered Bhadrakali and Bhoodha Ganas to get back the Shiva Lingam from the King. Bhadrakali reached the northern slope of Thirumandha hill with the army of Bhooda Ganas. The brightness emitted by the Shiva Lingam installed by king Mandhata was so great that it dazzled the eyes of Bhadrakali and the Bhooda Ganas. They were unable to climb the hills. Hence, they started throwing up the weapons from the foot of the hill. Sages accompanying King Mandhata were unarmed but tried to defend themselves with whatever things they had.

Finally, they plucked Attanga nuts from their creeper plants, which were available in plenty and threw them at the enemy. Due to the grace of Lord Shiva and divine power of Mandhata, the nuts got changed into arrows instantly. Bhadrakali and her army of Bhootha Ganas fought for fifteen days. The age-old custom of Attangayeru on first of Thulam (the Malayalam month) on the new moon day of the same month in the forenoon before pantheerady pooja refers to the legendary fight between Mandhadha and Kali. Sensing the defeat, Mahamaya took her Viswaroopa. The sages felt down senseless on seeing her Viswaroopa.

When she reached the hilltop, even Mandhadha was helpless on seeing her Viswaroopa form. He embraced the Shiva Linga, but Kali tried to capture the Lingam by force. Linga got split into in this struggle. A Jyothi arose from the Shiva Lingam. Trimurthy (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva) along with Mother Parvathy arose from the Jyothi. Mother Parvathy told Mandhadha that the idol was close to her and also informed she did not wish to take the Lingam away from him against the wishes of Lord Shiva. Also, she informed that she could not the bear the separation from the Lingam. Further, she stated that she would enter the Lingam and remain here forever.

As Kali came here first, Parvathy instructed to install Kali near her facing north. Parvathy entered into the Lingam in the Sreemoolasthanam and disappeared. The Shiva Lingam here is still in split condition. Its position is below the Peedam and Prabhamandalam and can be seen only during the abhisheka before the Usha Pooja. As ordered by Parvathy, Bhadrakali with Saptha Matrikas, Veerabhadra and Ganapati were installed facing north. This place is called as Mathrusala. When Parvathy appeared, infant Ganapathy was also with her. This infant Ganapathy had also been installed at Sreemoolasthanam.

King Mandhadha spent several years at Thirumandhamkunnu in meditation. When he knew it was time for him to leave this material world, he started thinking of entrusting the management of temple to able person for its maintenance. Two Brahmins visited Mandhadha and he felt that they were the right persons. Mandhadha gave them a Grandha containing instructions on the performance of poojas and entrusted the management of the shrine to them. He then retired to the forest nearby now known as Kukshipparakkad and attained the feet of Lord Shiva. Devotees go around this forest, pick a leaf from the plants and keep it in hair with at most reverence. This area is still a protected forest.

One Brahmin cleared the forest around the idol and hence came to be known as Kattillamuttam. The other Brahmin prepared pavilion for Prathishtai and came to be known as Panthalakode. The Thantri of Thirumandhamkunnu temple is still a descendant from either of these families. The Nair karyasthan who was with them was given the title Chathathumarar and made the blower of holy conch in the temple. The Namboodiris informed the news to Vadakkara Swaroopam Raja, subordinate chieftain of Valluvanadu Raja, holding the title Mannarmala Raja. He immediately rushed to the spot.

Seeing the over lord of the hill, the goddess got up and paid homage to him. This humility of Devi made the raja blink in shame and he prayed to the goddess to see him as a son. He then presented an elephant to the goddess and worshipped her from its rear, standing in its shadow. His descendants also followed the same practice. Even now direct darshan of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is not permissible to Mannarmala Raja.

The first Valluvaraja who took over the control of the temple entrusted its upkeep and maintenance to the local feudal lords Ettuveetil Achans. Sreemoolasthanam does not have a roof, which is an evidence of it having been a Kavu. The painting on the walls of the Mathrusala throws light on this legend. In the Devaprasana conducted in 1959, it was observed that an idol of Mandhadha should be installed here.

108 Shiva Temples of Kerala:

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram – The Temple

The Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is situated on top of 60 feet high hillock. The hill top provides an enchanting view of the surroundings. Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Shiva. However, famous deity is Bhadrakali, locally known as Thirumandhamkunnilamma and Ganesha. The Shiva Linga housed in the sanctum and is facing east. It is in split condition confirming to the Mandhadha legend. It can be seen only during the abhisheka before the Usha Pooja. Mother Parvathy is facing west.

The Sanctum does not have a roof, which is an evidence of it having been a Kavu. Hence, it was necessary to have two darshan openings one to the east and the other to west. The family descendants of Valluva Konathiri do not generally open the one on the west except for darshan. On either side of the doorway, there are two openings through which other worshippers can have darshan of the deity. But in recent past, the restrictions have been eased. After each pooja, the door is kept open for some time for darshan of the deity by devotees.

The temple deity, Thirumandhamkunnil Amma, was considered as official goddess of the kings of Valluvanad, the local feudal kings ruled the area in the Middle Ages. She is housed in north facing shrine along with Saptha Matrikas, Veerabhadra and Ganapati were installed facing north. This Shrine is called as Mathrusala. The Idol of Thirumandhamkunnilamma in Mathrusala is of Daru. A number of Bhadrakali temples in Kerala have Daru idols, but one at Thirumandhamkunnu excels them all.

The idol of this temple is almost identical with that at Kodungallur, except that the Angadipuram idol is taller. Due to this, the Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is considered the elder sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The other difference is that no animal sacrifices are done at the Angadipuram Temple. The famous marriage oblation (Mangalya Puja) is performed to Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe Mangalya puja will remove obstacles for one's marriage.

There is an idol of Rurujit (one who conquered Ruru, the Asura) in Mathrusala. The idol is about six feet high, in a sitting posture with the left leg bent up to the lap and the right one freely hanging down. The painting on the walls of the Mathrusala depicts the temple legend. These paintings along with the wall paintings of Suchindram, Pundarikkapuram, Vaikom and Guruvayur were executed in 1944. Nagas and Brahmarakshas can also be found in the Temple premises.

There is also an idol of Child Ganapathy at the foot the age-old Peepal tree standing on the northern side of the temple. The Nair warriors (called Chavers, literally martyrs) of Valluvanad king set out from this temple to Thirunavaya, to participate in the famous Mamankam festival. A memorial structure called the Chaver Thara (platform of the martyrs) can be found in front of the main entrance of the Thirumandhamkunnu Temple.

Mundayur Mahadeva Temple, Anjur, Kerala

Mundayur Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Anjur in Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. The place was previously called Mundayur, now called Mundur.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/mundayur-mahadeva-temple-anjur-legends.html

The Temple

This is an east facing temple. Presiding Deity is called as Mundayurappan and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There are shrines for Ganapathy, Sastha and Bhagavathi in the Temple premises.

Festivals

The annual festival of Mundayur Mahadeva Temple celebrates for Laksharchana in the month of March–April (Malayalam month: Meenam). Shivarathri festival is the other important one celebrated by the temple every year in the month of Feb-March (Malayalam month: Kumbham).

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Mundur Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Anjur, 8 Kms from Mulangunnathukavu Railway Station, 11 Kms from Thrissur, 12 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Kunnamkulam, 18 Kms from Guruvayur and 64 Kms from Cochin Airport. The Temple is situated in Kunnamkulam – Thrissur Bus route.

Location

Mundayur Mahadeva Temple, Anjur – Legends

108 Shiva Temples of Kerala:

Lord Shiva of Mundayur saved Kozhikode Zamorin's army:

Kozhikode Zamorin's army meditated on the Lord Shiva of Mundayur Temple and went out to battle. It was because such a practice was presumed that Lord Shiva of Mundayur saved them.

Triprangode Shiva Temple, Malappuram, Kerala

Triprangode Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Triprangode, near Tirur in Malappuram District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in northern Kerala. The temple is under the administration of Malabar Dewasom Board.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/triprangode-shiva-temple-malappuram-legends.html

History

Inscriptions of the Later Chera ruler Goda Ravi Varma (10^th century CE) can be seen in the Triprangode Shiva Temple. Triprangode was under the control of the Kingdom of Tanur (Vettathunad), the vassals of the Zamorins of Calicut. The main army led by the Zamorin camped at Triprangode during the Thirunavaya Wars of the 14^th century. Kokila Sandesa of Uddanta Sanstrikal (15^th century CE) mentions Triprangode among other major destinations in the region.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/triprangode-shiva-temple-malappuram-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 04:30 AM to 11:45 AM and from 04:30 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

The 8 day annual festival falls on the Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu in January. Shivarathri is also celebrated with great pomp.

Contact

Triprangode Shiva Temple,

Triprangode (PO),Tirur,

Malappuram District, Kerala – 676 108

Phone: +91 – 494 – 256 6046

Email: mail@triprangodesivatemple.com

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Triprangode Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Alathiyoor, 3 Kms from Kodakkal, 4 Kms from Thirunavaya, 6 Kms from Thirunavaya Railway Station, 10 Kms from Tirur, 10 Kms from Tirur Railway Station, 33 Kms from Malappuram, 39 Kms from Guruvayur and 43 Kms from Calicut Airport. The Temple is situated on Alathiyoor to Thirunavaya Route.

Location | Photos

Triprangode Shiva Temple, Malappuram – Legends

Kalasamhara Murti:

As per legend, the great sage Mrikandu Rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Lord Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result, he was given the choice of either a righteous son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16. In due course, Marudvati gave birth to a boy and the child was named Markandeya.

Markandeya was an exceptionally gifted child and became an accomplished sage early in his childhood. Markandeya grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and had mastered the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. When he was nearing the age of sixteen, Rishi Mrikandu and his wife became sad. Markandeya enquired about their sadness and they replied that at the age of sixteen, his time on this earth will come to an end. Lord Yama came to take his life away.

The boy, Markandeya then ran to Lord Mahavishnu (the preserver) but he was helpless, and he directed him to Triprangottappan (Lord Shiva). On the way to Triprangode temple, there was a huge banyan tree that stood by making difficulty to enter into the temple. At the time, he reached there surprisingly the tree separated into two parts and then he could easily enter into temple. Markandeya hugged the Shiva Lingam and requested Lord Shiva to protect him from Yama.

Yama threw his noose around the boy-sage; it encircled the Shiva Lingam too. At a blow, the Shiva Lingam burst open with a thundering roar and a majestic, fiery form of Lord Shiva appeared out of the blazing light. Lord Shiva was very anger and asked whether Yama had courage to encircle the Shiva Lingam with his noose, Shiva struck down Yama with his Trident (trishula), and Yama was no more. Markandeya was escaped from death. Lord Shiva blessed Markandeya with eternal life and proclaimed that he shall remain forever as a sixteen-year-old sage.

The assembly of Devas, who had witnessed all these, begged Lord Shiva to revive Yama. Otherwise there will be a situation in the world with people live long without death. This would put unnecessary burden on the earth. Lord Shiva then revived Yama and declared that his devotees were forever to be spared from the noose of Yama. Therefore, the fiery form of Lord Shiva who appeared to save the sage Markandeya came to be called as Kalasamhara Murti.

108 Shiva Temples of Kerala:

Triprangode Shiva Temple, Malappuram – The Temple

The Temple spreads over a vast area of around 6 acres, with many sub-shrines, trees and ponds. This is a west facing Temple. There is a huge banyan tree in front of the temple. Presiding Deity is called as Triprangottappan and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is Swayambhu Moorthy. The Sanctum follows Gajabrusta style architecture i.e. sanctum looks like the shape of back of elephant. It is of two storeys.

There is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati towards the left side of Lord Shiva. Her shrine is facing south in the Maha Mandapam. There is a Namaskara Mandapam in front of the Sree Kovil, used by the Brahmins for reciting Vedas, Shiva Sahasranama, etc. Nandi can be found in this Mandapam. There is an idol of Lord Ganesha on the south-western door, facing east. There are four more shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the temple complex.

One is considered the Moolasthanam, means the original seat of the Lord. It is called Karanayil Temple. The other three shrines represent the three steps taken by the Lord to kill Yama. All these shrines are situated outside the main door of the sanctum, on the northern side. The original seat, Karanayil temple, is a two-storied square shrine. The shrine at which the Lord took his first step is round in shape, and the other two are square.

A shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu can be seen nearby. The shrine of Lord Vishnu has an idol in his usual four-armed form, with Shankha, Sudarsana Chakra, Gada and Lotus on his arms. There are shrines to Lord Vettakkorumakan and Goddess Bhadrakali behind Karanayil temple. All are facing west. There is a shrine of Lord Ayyappa, facing west in the southern side.

There is an idol of Kala Samhara Murthy can be seen near to this Ayyappa Shrine. This idol was slightly damaged during Tipu Sultan's attacks. There are shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Nagas and Brahmarakshas in the south-western side, all facing east. Lord Krishna is installed as Gosalakrishna, meaning the cowherd. Thus, his shrine is depicted as a cow shed here.

Elanji tree and Bilva tree, considered sacred to Lord Shiva are found in the temple complex. There are five ponds around the temple, among which three are in the temple complex itself. There is a pond in front of Karanayil Temple, which clearly shows that it is the original seat. There are two more ponds very close to it, one named Santhikkulam, literally the place where the priests take bath before entering the temple, and the other named Vellottukulam, as it is near to Vellottu fields.

The pond at the south-western corner of the temple is considered to be the place where the Lord washed his trident after killing Yama. There is a huge pond outside the temple complex in the north-eastern side. It is mainly used for public uses, Devotees also take a bath here before entering the temple.

Mathur Shiva Temple, Chiramanangad, Kerala

Mathur Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Chiramanangad of Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama.

Legends

The Temple

This is a west facing temple. Presiding Deity is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing west. It is believed that the Siva Linga is Rudrakshasila which is irregular in shape, red in colour and is untouched by the human sculptor. Goddess Parvathi is also housed in same Sanctum, facing East. The sanctum is built in circular shape. There are shrines of Dakshinamoorthy, Sastha, Ganapathy and Nagayakshi in the temple premises. All these shrines are facing south.

Festivals

Shivarathri is the festival celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Pannithadam, 6 Kms from Kunnamkulam, 6 Kms from Kunnamkulam New Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Guruvayur, 14 Kms from Guruvayur Railway Station, 16 Kms from Vadakkanchery, 23 Kms from Thrissur and 76 Kms from Cochin Airport. The Temple is situated near Pannithadam in the Kunnamkulam – Vadakkanchery Bus route.

Location

Chidambaraswamy Temple, Chowwara, Kerala

Chidambaraswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Chowwara of Ernakulam District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama.

Legends

The Temple

This is a west facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambara Swamy. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Siva Linga in this temple was brought from the world famous Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram. Hence, the deity came to be called as Chidambara Swamy. The Lord here is worshipped as Kirata Moorthy. There is north facing shrine for Nataraja in the temple premises.

Festivals

The annual temple festival is celebrated here in the Malayalam month of Makara which commences on the star of Thiruvathira. The week-long festival ends with Aarattu. Traditional art and music performances along with other cultural activities are the highlights of this annual festival. Maha Shivarathri festival of the temple celebrates in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February - March).

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Chowwara Railway Station, 5 Kms from Aluva Railway Station, 5 Kms from Aluva Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Aluva, 6 Kms from Aluva Metro Station, 6 Kms from Cochin Airport, 9 Kms from Kalady, 10 Kms from Angamaly, 24 Kms from Ernakulam and 226 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Auto, Taxis, KSRTC and Privates buses ply to this temple from Cochin.

Location

Raviswarapuram Shiva Temple, Kodungalloor, Kerala

Raviswarapuram Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kodungalloor of Thrissur District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. This temple is located very close to the famous Kodungallur Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple.

Legends

History

The existence of temple was mentioned in Sangam Literature as one of the major temples under Chera Dynasty.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Raviswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. It houses a pond with an abandoned Siva Linga. There are no details on the origin of the Shiva Linga here. A huge Naga tree is found in the temple complex.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kodungallur Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, 1 Km from Kodungallur KSRTC Bus Station, 22 Kms from Irinjalakuda Railway Station, 27 Kms from Angamaly (Kalady) Railway Station, 29 Kms from Cochin Airport, 39 Kms from Thrissur and 239 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Kodungallur is situated on Thrissur to Cochin Route

Location

Udayamperoor Ekadasi Perumthrikovil Temple, Ernakulam, Kerala

Udayamperoor Ekadasi Perumthrikovil Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Udayamperoor of Ernakulam District in Kerala, India. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama.

Legends

The Temple

This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala. The Temple covers an area of about four acres. The Temple has a tower at the entrance. The Sanctum housing the presiding deity is in round shape. The Mukha Mandapa follows Kerala Dravidian architecture. There are shrines of Ganapathy, Parvathy, Subramaniyan, Sastha, Krishna, Yakshi and Dakshinamoorthy in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Chottanikkara Road Railway Station, 12 Kms from Ernakulam, 12 Kms from Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, 13 Kms from Ernakulam Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Cochin, 32 Kms from Cochin Airport, 49 Kms from Kottayam and 195 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The Temple is situated on Ernakulam to Kumarakom Route. The Temple is located very close to the bus stop.

Location

Brahmesvara Temple, Kikkeri, Karnataka

Brahmesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kikkeri Town in Mandya district, Karnataka state, India. The Temple is considered as a fine specimen of 12^th century Hoysala architecture. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per local folklore, the Kikkeri village was named after a tribesman called Keeka. There is a temple dedicated to the village goddess Kikkeramma, the deity of these tribesman.

History

The temple was built in 1171 AD by a wealthy lady called Bommare Nayakiti, the wife of Samanta Baramayya, during the rule of Hoysala King Narasimha I. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/brahmesvara-temple-kikkeri-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Kikkeri Bus Stop, 19 Kms from Channarayapatna, 28 Kms from Holenarasipur Railway Station, 28 Kms from Holenarasipur, 54 Kms from Srirangapatna, 55 Kms from Hassan, 71 Kms from Mandya, 158 Kms from Bengaluru and 179 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. National Highway 75 connects Channarayapatna from Bangalore. Take KSRTC buses travelling between Bangalore and Hassan, Mangalore. Get into these buses and travel up to Channarayapatna. Get down at Channarayapatna and take any bus travelling towards Mysore and get down at Kikkeri. Kikkeri is situated on Srirangapatna-Channarayapatna Route (SH 7).

Location | Photos

Brahmesvara Temple, Kikkeri – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has a stucco image of Nandi. The temple is single shrined (Ekakuta). This temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sukanasi, navaranga and porch attached to a Nandi Mandapa. Lord Brahma can be seen on the doorway lintel. Hence the presiding deity came to be called as Brahmesvara. The sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of Lingam.

The sanctum is connected to navaranga hall by antrala with sukanasi above. The sukanasi is actually a low protrusion of the tower over the shrine, built over the antrala The large domed roof (amalaka), the kalasa over the tower and the Hoysala crest (emblem of the Hoysala warrior stabbing a lion) over the sukanasi are typical of Hoysala temple architecture.

Navaranga Hall has four central pillars supporting its ceiling. These pillars are bell shaped and extensively decorated with intricate carvings These four pillars houses Madanikas Idols (also called Salabhanjika, refers to the sculpture of a woman, displaying stylized feminine features). Each pillar has the provision to hold four Madanikas Idols.

There are currently only eight idols are present in the pillars. Other idols were lost or stolen. There is one Madanika idol, holding the Damaruka (musical instrument used by Lord Shiva while dancing) deserves special mention. The left hand of the drummer is holding the Damaruka. She is holding it to control the rhythm of the beatings. The fingers are carved between the thread which is used to control the stiffness of the skin.

The three strings holding the drum in place is very slender is an excellent example of Hoysala master piece. The navaranga central ceiling has a carved stone block having nine divisions. The central three divisions show Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Musicians and dancers are depicted in other divisions. There is a four feet tall idol of Lord Shiva in one of the niches of the navaranga (hall).

Life size Dvarapalas guards the entrance of Navaranga. Nandi and Surya Narayana can be seen facing the sanctum. The entrance is provided via porch from north and south. The interior of the temple has been widened beyond its base by making the outer walls bulge out in a convex shape. There is a shrine for Mother Parvathy on the right side of the sanctum. This might be later period construction.

The outside walls contains idols of Dashavatara, Lord Shiva with his consort Parvathy, Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi, Lord Brahma with his consort Saraswathi, Bhairavi, Gajantaka, Nataraja, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardhini. Each of these idols are housed under various kind of gopuras like Bhumija, Vesara, Dravida and Kalinga style of Gopuras around the temple. The idol of Varaha carrying Lakshmi on his left shoulder is quite sculpture seen in this Temple.

A foreigner, probably Portuguese, is also present in one of the panel. There is a small temple pond situated on the north east corner of the temple. There is a relief explaining the story of a devotee of Lord Shiva met his heroic death in a battle being taken to Kailasha by Bhootha Ganas in a palanquin, on the steps of the temple pond. There is a shrine for Kala Bhairava next to the Temple pond. The idol shows excellent craftsmanship of Hoysalas. The idol holds an axe and bow and accompanied by his dog vehicle.

The temple's decorative features can be said to belong to much earlier period prevalent even before the Hoysala times. In this type of decoration, below the superstructure (tower), an eaves that projects about half a meter runs all around the temple. Below the eaves are decorative miniature towers on pilasters. The large wall images of deities and their attendants are placed below these decorative towers. Below these images is the base of the wall which comprises five different horizontal moldings, one of which is a row of blocks.

There is an interesting sculpture of both Lion and Elephant can be seen on the right-hand side of Sukanasi. This sculpture is carved in such a way to depict both animals. If the sculpture is viewed from north towards south direction, it appears as elephant and if it is viewed from east to west direction, it appears as lion.

Brahmapura Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Brahmapura Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. This temple is considered as one of earliest Jagannath temples in Sambalpur region. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi.

History

King Balabhadra Deva (1605 - 1630 A.D), third ruler of Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur constructed several Jagannath temples in Sambalpur region. This temple is considered one among them. The temple is now under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of a square vimana and a pillared Mandapa. Both the Mandapa and Vimana stands on a raised platform. The Vimana follows Rekha Deula style architecture. The pillared mandapa has marble flooring and the exterior is decorated with Krisnalila scene in cement work. The Sanctum houses the images of the Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple observes all rituals of Jagannath culture.

Festivals

Car festival, Netrotsava and Pana Sankranti Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 5 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand, 63 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 276 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 280 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi on the right side of the ring road leading from Court square to Durgapali and close to Jharuapara Art and Music School.

Location

Budharaja Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Budharaja Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The temple is located on a hilltop of Bhudharaja. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi. The temple is also called as Burharai Temple.

History

The temple was initiated by the King Chhatrasal (1690 – 1705 AD), seventh ruler of Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur and completed by his son King Ajith Singh, eighth ruler of Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur. It was built to commemorate the death of the prince Burha Rai. The temple is presently under the care of Siva Bhagat committee.

The Temple

The temple is located on a hilltop of Budharaja. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of rekha vimana, pidha jagamohana and pillared open mandapa. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan that stands on a stepped platform. Idols of a twelve armed dancing Lord Shiva and an eight armed Mahisasuramardini can be seen on the inner walls of the Jagamohana. Presiding Deity is a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The exterior is devoid of any decorations except the niches.

A concrete road goes to the temple from the base and 108 steps to reach hill top. Budharaja Pahad played a major role in the freedom struggle of Veer Surendra Sai. A well behind Budharaja temple, on the top of the hill, has a secret tunnel that connects to Raja Bakhri, Rani Bakhri, Gopalji Math, Rampad, etc on the other ends. The well is fenced with iron bars. A Shahid Stambha is erected in the memory of the freedom fighters in front of the well and their names are imprinted on it.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Sankranti, Kartika Purnima and Sitalasasti are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 63 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 276 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 282 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is located on a hilltop of Bhudharaja and situated on the right side of the road leading from Ainthapali Bus Stand to Laxmi talkies of Sambalpur.

Location | Photos

Champanatha Temple, Champeswar, Odisha

Champanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Champeswar village near Narasinghpur in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the northern banks of Mahanadhi River.

History

The current temple was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. Sculptures and remains of an ancient basement in the temple can be dated to Ganga rule (13^th – 14^th Century CE). The temple is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Orissa.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/champanatha-temple-champeswar-temple.html

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Ganesha Chaturdasi are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 300 meters from Champeswar Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Narasinghpur, 56 Kms from Athagarh, 89 Kms from Cuttack, 91 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 99 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 99 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is situated on Athagarh to Narasinghpur route.

Location | Photos

Champanatha Temple, Champeswar – The Temple

This temple is facing towards west, but presently the entrance is on the southern side. The temple consists of square rekha vimana, pidha jagamohana and a pidha mukti mandapa. The jagamohana stands over a platform of an earlier structure and presently another rectangular hall is added with the mukti mandapa on the southern side. The exterior of the temple is completely devoid of decoration, except dopichhasimhas and Garuda images over the beki of the mukti mandapa.

Idols of Uma Mahesvara, Mahisasuramardini and Astikajaratkaru are housed inside the jagamohana. The vimana is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation whereas the jagamohana is Panchangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Idols of Vishnu, Surya, Kartikeya, Ganesha, architectural fragments, doorjambs and Nandis can be seen in the temple premises.

Other notable shrines in the temple premises are;

Bholanatha Shrine:

Bholanatha Shrine is situated on the northern side of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards east. This temple is a miniature rekha temple and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Image of Ganesha can be seen in niches around the vimana.

Kasinatha Shrine:

Kasinatha Shrine is situated on the south eastern side of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple has a pidha Vimana and square on plan. It stands over raised platform. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and the bada has four segments in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

Muktanatha Shrine:

Muktanatha Shrine is situated on the eastern side of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple has a rekha vimana and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Image of Ganesha can be seen in niches around the vimana.

Rupanathesvara Shrine:

Rupanathesvara Shrine is situated on the north east corner of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple consists of rekha vimana with a frontal porch and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Image of four armed Parvati can be seen in niches around the vimana.

Somanatha Shrine:

Somanatha Shrine is situated on the south eastern side of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple has a rekha vimana and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and the bada has two segments in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

Sopnesvar Shrine:

Sopnesvar Shrine is situated inside the Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple has a rekha vimana with a porch and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Images of Kartikeya and four-armed Parvati can be seen in the niches around Vimana.

Svapnesvar Shrine:

Svapnesvar Shrine is situated inside the Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards west. This temple has a rekha vimana with a porch and square on plan. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

Ganesha Shrine – I:

Ganesha Shrine – I is situated on the southern corner of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards south. This temple consists of a pidha vimana with a porch and square on plan. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses an idol of eight armed Ganesha.

Ganesha Shrine – II:

Ganesha Shrine – II is situated on the southern corner of main shrine in Champanatha temple complex. This Shrine was built by the rulers of princely state of Narasinghpur in 19^th century CE. This temple is facing towards south. This temple consists of a pidha vimana with a porch and square on plan. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Ganesha.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur, Odisha

Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis located in Hirapur village, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Khurda District in Odisha, India. The temple is surrounded by open swathes of paddy fields beside Mahamaya Puskarini. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bhargavi. The temple is also known as Mahamaya Temple. This temple is considered as the smallest Yogini temple in India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/chausath-yogini-temple-hirapur-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hira Mahadevi, wife of King Shantikara Deva II of Bhauma Kara Dynasty. Hirapur is named after this queen. Kalapahad, a converted Muslim general of 16^th Century CE is believed to have attacked this temple and defaced the idols in the temple. The temple went into obscurity but still in practice among the villagers. This temple was rediscovered in 1953 by the late K.N. Mahapatra, eminent historian and archaeologist of Odisha. The temple complex is now maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/chausath-yogini-temple-hirapur-temple.html

Festivals

Chausath Yogini Mahotsava is celebrated on 23^rd – 25^th December every year. Chandi Path is done every day during Navratri and grand Yagna is performed on Magh Saptami.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Uttara Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Baragarh Sai Mandir Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport, 10 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station, 14 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Bhubaneshwar New Railway Station. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms from Uttara on Bhubaneshwar to Puri route.

Location | Photos

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur – Legends

Andhaka was the son of Hiranyaksha and cousin of Prahlada. Andhaka and Prahlada, along with their army defeated the Devas, making Prahlada the king of the three worlds. Sometime later, Prahlada battled Vishnu, but lost the battle due to a curse the sages have placed upon him. After his loss, he appointed Andhaka as king and successfully acquires Vishnu's forgiveness. Upon returning, Andhaka tries to make him king again, but is met with refusal. At one point, Mahishasura and Tarakasura are killed by the gods, a feat which Andhaka thought was impossible.

After this incident, Andhaka came to desire a beautiful wife and was informed about Parvati, said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Unaware that Parvati is his mother, Andhaka makes his way to Shiva's abode. There he tried to abduct Parvati, but she assumed a hundred forms and knocked him unconscious in battle. Andhaka fled back to Patala with the intention to recuperate and make another attempt at procuring Parvati.

Prahlada tried to dissuade him. He revealed to Andhaka his true origins about being born from the sweat of Shiva when Parvati covered his eyes. His explanation falls on deaf ears and he fails to persuade the Asura. Andhaka attacked Shiva and the other deities with his army, most of whom were obliterated. Andhaka then disguised himself as Shiva to fool Parvati, but she managed to recognise him and hid among her servants. Unable to find her, Andhaka returns to the battle.

Karthikeya and Ganesha accompanied by the Ganas, destroyed Andhaka's chariot. Lord Shiva engaged him in battle. Whenever Andhaka's blood fell on the ground, a copy of him would spawn. Lord Vishnu created 64 Yoginis to drink the blood of the demon every time he was hurt, preventing the spread of new demons. Finally, Shiva managed to decapitate Andhaka. After the fight, the 64 goddesses (Yoginis) asked Lord Shiva to commemorate them in the form of a temple structure.

Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur – The Temple

The temple is built in a circular fashion without any roof. The temple seems to follow a Madala plan in a way that concentric circles are formed while a Shiva at the center inside the inner sanctum is roundly surrounded by four Yoginis and four Bhairava. The temple measures about 25 feet in diameter, 90 feet in circumference and 7 feet tall. The entrance to the temple is from the east. The entrance is about four feet tall.

It is designed in such a way that anyone entering the temple has to bow down. The outer wall of the temple is devoid of any decorations except the nine niches housing Katyayini images at regular intervals. They are shown standing over a severed head flanked by animals. Each of them were holding a sword and rests under umbrella. The entrance is flanked by two dvarapalas (a form of Bhairava).

The southern carving depicts a male figure with ear ornaments and lotus creeper on the pedestal. The northern carving depicts a wrathful male figure with disheveled hair, protruding stomach, and holding a skull cup in his left hand. Both the Bhairavas are shown holding a curved sword. The inner wall of the temple contains 60 niches housing various yoginis within its inner circumference.

Each niche is considered as mini shrine. All the yoginis are shown in standing posture with their mounts carved below. All images are about 2 feet tall, except the yogini in the central niche which is the largest among all. She is called as Mahamaya and considered as the presiding deity of the shrine. All Yoginis are depicted with two or four arms while Mahamaya is depicted with ten arms.

Several of these sculptures are defaced or damaged with parts of their limbs missing. There is a rectangular structure, called as Chandi Mandapa, is built in the center. It is believed to be a recent structure built on top of an older platform. It has entrances on all four side with two niches provided on either side of each entrance, resulting eight niches in total.

One niche is empty, rest all have images in the niches. The niches houses four Bhairava and three Yoginis. This empty niche would have housed a yogini image as combining with 60 images around the enclosure and three on the mandapa, the result is 64 images in total corresponding to 64 yoginis. There must have been an image of Maha Bhairava at the center of the mandapa but has been lost.

Kichakeshwari Temple, Khiching, Odisha

Kichakeshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda located in Khiching village in Mayurbhanj District in Odisha, India. The Temple lies in between the two hill streams of Khairabandhana and Kantakhaira.

Legends

As per legend, Goddess Kichakeshwari was worshipped by king Kichak, a character in the epic Mahabharata.

History

The original temple dates back to 7^th or 8^th Century CE, with periodic renovation over the centuries. Goddess Kichakeshwari is considered as the family goddess of the ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj. Goddess Kichakeshwari was not only Ishta Devata and Kuladevi of Bhanj dynasty but also the State deity of Princely State of Mayurbhanj ruled by them. The temple was in dilapidated state in the early 20^th Century CE. King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo reconstructed the temple in 1934 CE. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/kichakeshwari-temple-khiching-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains opens from 5.00 am to 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Singada Chowk, 16 Kms from Singada, 27 Kms from Karanjia, 31 Kms from Jashipur, 44 Kms from Keonjhar Railway Station, 49 Kms from Keonjhar, 69 Kms from Rairangpur, 126 Kms from Baripada, 164 Kms from Balasore, 241 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 245 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is located at about 14 Kms to the north of the National Highway No. 06, from Singada Chowk. Regular bus services are available from Singada, Karanjia, Rairangpur, Jashipur, Baripada and Keonjhar.

Location | Photos

Kichakeshwari Temple, Khiching – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. It consists of a square rekha vimana with a frontal porch. Both stands over a raised platform of 1764 sq. ft. and 1.2 meters height. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The Vimana is about 100 feet tall. The style of the temple is contemporary of the Brahmesvara and the Lingaraj temples of Bhubaneswar. Presiding deity is called as Kichakeshwari / Thakurani. She is housed in the sanctum in the form of ten armed Chamunda. She has emaciated body (literally skeleton) with sunken belly, sunken eyes and open mouth. She sits on a corpse and wears a garland of skulls.

The exterior of the temple is decorated with various sculptural motifs like nayikas, erotics, divine and semi divine gods and goddesses, royal figures, saints and various architectural motifs like naga-nagi pilasters, kirtimukha, elongated khakharamundi and scroll works. The huge pillars sculpted with Nagin are unique heritage of this temple. There is a well-preserved brick structure known as Itamundhi inside the temple premises. Six feet tall idols of Mahisasuramardini and Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati in seated posture can be seen in the temple premises.

Chandrasekhar Shrine:

The temple also houses the Chandrasekhar Shrine within its premises. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is facing towards east. It consists of a square rekha vimana with a frontal porch. The Shrine is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. Presiding Deity is called as Chandrasekara. He is housed in the sanctum within circular yonipitha. The decorations of the lintel and the doorway jambs and the figures of the doorkeepers, Chanda and Prachanda captivate the tourists with their fine carvings. Two hero stones can be seen on the pathway near the entrance of the shrine.

Museum:

The Khiching Museum, situated inside the temple premises, is the second oldest museum in the state of Odisha. The Museum was constructed by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanjdeo in 1922 CE. This Museum preserves the idols of Hindu gods & goddess, Buddha and artefacts found during excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India in 1908 CE. The museum has the life-size excavated idols of Durga, Ganesha, Parsvanatha, Tara, Parvati, Dhyani, Buddha, Ardhanageswar, Vaishnavi, Nandi, Kartikeya, Avalokitesawara, Mahishasuramardhini, Uma, Maheshwara and female devotees on display.

The museum has exhibits like the copper and iron implements, terracotta figurines, seals, ornaments, potteries, coins, stone tools and various fragments of the temples. The courtyard of the museum has several sculpted parts of ancient temples on display in open. The presence of Buddha and Avalokiteshvara idols suggest, a commendable amalgamation of religion and culture. It mirrors the religious tolerance exercised by the rulers, as far back as in the 10^th century AD.

Padmesvar Temple, Baneswar, Odisha

Padmesvar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the top of Baneswar hillock in Padamala village in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi near Narasinghpur.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. The temple was renovated by the ex-ruler K.P. Singdeo in 1880 and again by Ananta Narayan Singdeo in 1942. This temple is currently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple is located on the top of the Baneswar hillock. This temple is facing towards east. The temple was built in form of a Panchayatana complex, which features a main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the temple. All the four subsidiary shrines were only up to its pabhaga portions. The main shrine consists of rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan.

The mastaka of both the vimana and jagamohana are missing. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. There is an image depicting Lord Shiva saving young Markandeya’s life from Yama can be seen at the entrance of the Jagamohana. Presiding deity is called as Padmesvar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam within circular yonipitha.

Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati are the niche images can be seen around the vimana. The exterior wall is decorated with kirtimukha, chaitya medallion, Naga Nagi pilasters, angasikharas, scroll motifs and nayika images. The sculptures of the temple are mostly damaged for unknown reasons. Mother is called as Prajna Paramita. She is housed in a small shrine behind the main shrine.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Singhadwar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Sidhamula, 9 Kms from Champeswar, 15 Kms from Narasinghpur, 61 Kms from Athagarh, 95 Kms from Cuttack, 96 Kms from Bhubaneshwar, 96 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport and 97 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station. The temple is situated on Athagarh to Narasinghpur route. Devotees need to travel for about 6 Kms towards Mahanadi River from Singhadwar Bus Stand to reach this temple.

Location | Photos

Pancha Pandava Temple, Ganeswarpur, Odisha

Pancha Pandava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Ganeswarpur Village in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Birupa on the outskirt of Ganeswarpur at the foot of Jalauka hill.

Legends

As per legend, Pandavas stayed at this place for a few days during their exile. While younger Pandava brothers, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva, resided here under the Jalauka hills, the eldest brother Yudhishthira lived in the nearby Rudrapur village with mother Kunti. The Pandavas used to worship Lord Vishnu here.

History

It is believed that this temple was built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. This temple complex suffered major destruction by Kalapahad, a Muslim General of Bengal Sultanate in 16^th century CE. This temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/01/pancha-pandava-temple-ganeswarpur-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Chatia, 5 Kms from Chatia Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Jhadeshwar Road Railway Station, 27 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Cuttack Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Cuttack, 52 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 56 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is situated on Bhubaneshwar to Balasore Route (NH 5). Devotees need to take a right turn before Chatia and travel for another 4 Kms to reach this temple.

Location | Photos

Pancha Pandava Temple, Ganeswarpur – The Temple

This temple is in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. Out of four subsidiary shrines, only three shrines have survived and the shrine on the north east corner had been completely disappeared.

Central Shrine:

The main shrine is facing towards east. It consists of Rekha Deul, Antrala and Jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are in dilapidated condition. Both are square on plan. The vimana is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The sanctum houses a four armed idol of Lord Vishnu. He holds Chakra & Shanka in his upper hands and shows Abhaya & Varada Mudra in his lower hands.

He is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Both are showing Varada Mudra in one hand and holding lotus in another hand. The exterior of the temple is decorated with architectural motif such as vajramundi, khakharamundi, pilaster design, decorative motifs like chaitya medallion, kirtimukha, purnakumbha and nayikas, amalakasila and Mithuna figures.

North West Corner Shrine:

This Shrine is facing towards south. It has a square rekha vimana. It is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. There is no idol inside the sanctum. The exterior is decorated with vajramundis, pilaster designs, miniature chaitya motif, hunting scenes, Krishna Lila, Mithuna, maithuna figures and nayikas.

South East Corner Shrine:

This Shrine is facing towards North. It has a square rekha vimana. It is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. There is no idol inside the sanctum. The exterior is decorated with vajramundis, Ashta Dikpalakas, pilaster designs, miniature chaitya motif, hunting scenes, Buddha, Kirtimukha, Mithuna, maithuna figures and nayikas. This Shrine is the best preserved shrine in the entire complex.

South West Corner Shrine:

This Shrine is facing towards North. It has a square rekha vimana. It is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. There is no idol inside the sanctum. The exterior is decorated with vajramundis, Ashta Dikpalakas, pilaster designs, Parvati, Kartikeya, Bhairava, miniature chaitya motif, hunting scenes, Buddha, Kirtimukha, Mithuna, maithuna figures and nayikas.

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