The 10th – 11th century Shiv Mandir known locally as Hazariya Mahadev Mandir located on the outskirts of the lesser – known Pali vilage is one of the most amazing Shivalayas ever built. The temple is open to the public only on three days in a year namely Shravan Somavara, Kartika Purnima and Maha Shivaratri.
Locals say that this Shiva Linga is one of the rarest of its kind where offering prayers to IT is deemed equal to worshipping 1008 Shiva Lingas! In fact, Bhagawan Shiva is called Hazariya Mahadev here because of this remarkable aspect.
The temple built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti sits on a high platform with only the garbha griha intact. The sculptural art is very similar to that seen in the temples at Khajuraho.
The entrance doorway is absolutely spectacular and testimony to the artistic and architectural excellence of the Chandelas. The door jambs are richly embellished with Ganga and Yamuna and their attendants, dwarapalakas and series of intricately carved figures from the base to the lintel along with foliage, floral and geometric patterns and auspicious Hindu iconography in distinctive bands that are visually harmonious.
The lintel has a beautiful carving of Uma Maheshwara in the Lalata Bimba flanked by carvings of Sapta Matrikas, Navagrahas, Bhagawan Ganesha and Bhagawan Veerabhadra and dancers and figures in three tiers. The ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum has a detailed lotus panel in the centre.
The Chandelas’ structural ingenuity can be observed at the outlet behind the shrine. There are miniature niches, some inset with sculptures and some empty in the external facades.
Nandi Bhagawan has been seated in front of the sanctum sanctorum. There are broken sculptures of gods and goddesses, apsaras and panels depicting stories from the scriptures that have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
There are ruined temples of various periods around this ancient shrine.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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