The Ganesha Temple listed as Temple No. 8 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a stunning 10th century edifice. This temple built by the Gurjara – Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture is a fine example of understated elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.
This south – facing temple on plan has an entrance porch and a garbha griha. The sanctum sanctorum is designed as a triratha and has an impressive idol of Lord Ganesha. According to the locals, the temple complex was desecrated by the Muslim barbarian Aurangzeb and then looted by the religiously intolerant British.
It has been mentioned in the historical records that Aurangzeb took great pleasure in chopping off the arms and feet of Lord Ganesha and destroying the sacred mandapa He was seated on. However, the spiritual potency and beauty of Lord Ganesha remains untouched and is undeniable.
The entrance doorway of this temple is unusually plain. The temple is built of stone and has a brick shikhara over the sanctum.
This temple complex is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
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