The Baroli group of Temples, one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan has received much admiration from historians, artisans, architects and archaeologists for its sublime beauty and elegance. Since its discovery during the British Raj, this temple complex has been researched in detail, photographed and written about in many publications.
The oldest, largest and most magnificent temple in this complex is the Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple listed as Temple No. 7 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Built in the early part of the 10th century by the Gurjara – Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture, this temple has Bhagawan Shiva depicted in the form of five Shiva Lingas with one of the them in the shape of an inverted ghata (pot). It is this rare form of Bhagawan Shiva that draws countless devotees to this ancient temple.
This east – facing temple on plan has a mukha mandapa, an antarala and a garbha griha designed as a pancharatha. There is an ornamental makara torana at the entrance of the mukha mandapa that exudes charm and delicacy.
The mukha mandapa of six pillars and two pilasters is a visual spectacle with exquisitely carved pillars from the base to the capital and intersecting ceiling panels of lotus, coffered cusps, makara (crocodile), apsaras, gods and goddesses, sages, dancers and musicians. Bhagawan Nandi is seated in the middle of the mukha mandapa and the garbha griha.
The richly embellished lotus ceiling in the sanctum sanctorum is nothing short of exceptional and is truly an excellent example of the artistic and architectural mastery of the Gurjara – Pratiharas. Bhagawan Nataraja is seen on the Lalata Bimba flanked by Bhagawan Brahma and Bhagawan Vishnu. Ganga, Yamuna and other figures are seen on the entrance doorway.
The external facades and shikhara are profusely decorated with geometric patterns, auspicious Hindu iconography, floral and foliage motifs, extended brackets and niches of Bhagawan Shiva as Chamunda, Nataraja, Gajasamharamurthy and Andhakantaka.
The famous Sringar Chauri, a later addition stands in front of this temple. The temples dedicated to Bhagawan Ganesha and Ashtamata are close to this temple.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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