Kakramath Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Another legacy of the glorious reign of the Chandelas in Mahoba is the stunning Kakramath temple in the middle of Madan Sagar. Kakramath temple is widely considered by architects, historians and artists to be an exceptional structure made entirely of the famous Mahoba granite.

This temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century by possibly the mighty Madanavarman of the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti. Madanavarman was renowned for his military prowess, exemplary sword skills and philanthropy.

Kakramath temple stands on a rocky islet in Madan Sagar, a tank commissioned by Madanavarman. The temple is built in the typical panchayatana layout as a triratha. This temple was either at the centre of the battle between Alha and Prithviraj Chauhan in 1182 CE or was desecrated before the 1800s as none of the statues that adorned the niches remain.

As this temple was built entirely in granite, the ornamentation and detailing became limited to small geometrical patterns as seen in the external façade. The temple perhaps was built in the Pratihara style of architecture favoured by the Chandelas but is now in a dilapidated state.

This temple equals the largest of the Khajuraho temples in terms of size but lacks the grandeur of the Khajuraho temples. The ruins of the Madan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu stands nearby in the island of Majhari.

This temple dedicated to Kakra who is Lord Shiva is revered by the followers of Baba Gorakhnath who along with his disciples stayed in a cave in the nearby Gorakh hills.

Though this temple is reminiscent of the golden age of the Chandelas and is appreciated by history and architecture enthusiasts, it is totally neglected like many of the other temples built by the Chandelas in Mahoba.

* Photos are only symbolic (Taken from public domain/internet and any copyright infringement is unintentional and regrettable)