Nagari or Nagri, once a splendid city during the Mauryan and Gupta Periods and an important seat of learning, philosophy, literature and economics is now nothing more than a forgotten chapter in the history of Akhanda Bharat. This city has been mentioned in the Mahabharat as one of the regions conquered by Nakula in the legendary Digvijaya... Continue Reading →
Bhim ki Chauri, Dara, Mukundara Hills National Park, Kota District, Rajasthan
Bhim ki Chauri (marriage pavilion of Bhima), a mid - late 5th century edifice of possibly the Guptas or their feudatory, the Aulikaras presents a lonely picture in the midst of stunning natural beauty. This temple located in the lush green Mukundara Hills National Park is believed to be the only surviving structure of that... Continue Reading →
Chaurasi Khambha Temple, Kaman, Bharatpur District, Rajasthan
Kaman also known as Adi Vrindavan is a town of great antiquity that has been mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatha Mahapurana as the holy land where Bhagawan Krishna spent his childhood days. This sacrosanct town is home to Kameshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the four important Shivalayas on the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra. The most... Continue Reading →
Yupa Pillars, Bichpuri Village, Tonk Tehsil, Tonk District, Rajasthan
The princely state of Rajputana has since the ancient times been an important seat of Vedic philosophy, learning and spirituality. Archaeological excavations conducted across Rajasthan have revealed the existence of thriving Vedic practices, Vedis (sacrificial altars) and yūpas (sacrificial pillars). It is evident that successive dynasties that ruled this rich province were totally dedicated to Advaitha... Continue Reading →
Gadgach Temple, Kherliganj, Atru, Baran District, Rajasthan
The lesser - known Atru, known as Atalpuri in the ancient times is a treasure trove of temples of unmatched beauty, structural ingenuity and artistic and architectural excellence. Though the temples were looted and razed to the ground by the Muslim barbarians, one has to only see the broken carved panels, sculptures, plinths and niches... Continue Reading →
Charkhambha, Bilasgarh, Kishanganj Tehsil, Baran District, Rajasthan
Bilasgarh, a treasure trove of ancient ruins and artefacts was once dotted with temples (dating back to the Vedic Period), forts, dharmashalas, Gurukulas and bhojanashalas. Archaeological excavations around this area uncovered caves with prehistoric drawings and petroglyphs. According to historical documents, this city located on the banks of a tributary of the Parbati River was once... Continue Reading →
Neelkanth Temple, Dabkan, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajgarh Tehsil, Alwar District, Rajasthan
Coined the 'Khajuraho of Sariska' and 'Khajuraho of Aravalli', the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple situated atop a hillock in the midst of stunning natural beauty is a prized architectural gem of the ancient times. This temple located deep inside the protected Sariska Tiger Reserve is believed to have been established by the Pancha Pandavas. According... Continue Reading →
Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
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... Continue Reading →
Sringar Chauri, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
Sringar Chauri, an elegant ranga mandapa is the last structure built in the Badoli group of Temples. Deemed to be the finest of its time, this late 10th century edifice is largely accepted to be an extension to the famous Ghateshwara Temple. This pillared hall on plan has a square space in the middle with... Continue Reading →
Trimurti Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
The Trimurti Temple (also known as the Sadashiva Temple or Maheshwara Temple or Trimurti Shiva Temple) in the Baroli group of Temples is perhaps one of the most underrated temples of its time. Listed as Temple No. 4 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this 10th century temple is a fine example of the... Continue Reading →
Sheshashayan Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
The Seshashayan Temple listed as Temple No. 2 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a 10th century edifice of the Gurjara – Pratiharas. This temple stands near the Shiv Temple built in the middle of the ancient kund. The original temple in plan had an ardha mandapa,... Continue Reading →
Shiv Temple and Kund, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
Listed as Temple No. 3 in the Baroli group of Temples by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the 10th century Shiv Temple seated in the middle of an ancient kund is an outstanding example of artistic excellence, architectural mastery and unique sculptural art. This temple built by the Gurjara – Pratiharas in the typical Nagara... Continue Reading →
Ganesha Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
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... Continue Reading →
Ashtamata Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
One of the most beautiful temples in the Baroli group of Temples is the 10th century Ashtamata Temple. This temple built by the Gurjara - Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture is an outstanding example of subtle elegance combined with exquisite craftsmanship. The temple also known as Mahishasura Mardini Temple faces east... Continue Reading →
Vamanavatar Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
The Baroli group of Temples located in the sleepy village of Baroli is an excellent example of 10th century temple architecture. Built by the Gurjara - Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style, this temple complex is one of the earliest of its kind comprising of nine temples built as per the tenets of the Shilpa... Continue Reading →
Shiva Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
The magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the 8th century. Though most of these temples are in ruins today, they still manage to exude quietude, charm and elegance. One such temple is the ancient Shiva Temple located to the east of the Golera group of temples that has now... Continue Reading →
Vedi Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Maharana Kumbha is considered to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century and highly proficient in Sanskrit, ancient Hindu literature, scriptures and treatises particularly the Shilpa Shastra. Every edifice commissioned by him has proved to be an excellent example to understand the science of Hindu philosophy and tenets of Shilpa Shastra. ... Continue Reading →
Surya Mandir, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Surya Mandir, listed as Suraj Devri by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a 15th century (1433 - 1468 CE) temple built by Maharana Kumbha. Located near the western part of the fort enclosure, the temple sits majestically atop a hillock offering a panoramic view of the fort and its surroundings. This west... Continue Reading →
Charbhuja Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Charbhuja Temple located to the right of the famed Ganesh Temple at Ram Pol exudes quietude and simplicity. This temple was built between 1443 - 1468 CE by the exemplary Maharana Kumbha. The temple is built on a steep slope and has its own enclosure with an entrance on the east. The temple sits... Continue Reading →
Ganesh Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
One of the earliest temples of the Kumbhalgarh Fort complex is the Ganesha Temple located near the famed Ram Pol. This temple is yet another magnificent edifice built by the master builder Maharana Kumbha between 1443 – 1468 CE. The temple stands majestically on a raised platform built according to the topography and is... Continue Reading →
Kheda Devi Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh Fort, a magnificent edifice constructed under the visionary leadership of Maharana Kumbha is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the late 8th century. The fort was built on an existing fortified structure of the early 8th century. Though the final shape and layout of this architectural, structural and engineering marvel was achieved... Continue Reading →
Mamadeo Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh Fort, a wonderous architectural and structural feat is dotted with stunning temples of different periods. This fort conceived by the master builder, Maharana Kumbha was built over an existing fortified structure of perhaps the early 8th century. Maharana Kumbha is deemed to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century and... Continue Reading →
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan
Maharana Kumbha is considered to be one of the finest architects of the 15th century with a deep understanding of ancient Hindu philosophy and treatises particularly the Shilpa Shastra. Known to be a master builder way ahead of his time, Maharana Kumbha has built spectacular edifices that will leave you awestruck. One such masterpiece... Continue Reading →
Vastaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Isra Village, Pindwara Tehsil, Sirohi District, Rajasthan
The sacred city of Sirohi known earlier as Devnagari (Devanagari) is a treasure trove for geologists, archaeologists, architects, historians, theoretical linguistics and philologists. This district has several structures of great antiquity dating back to the Vedic Period of immense spiritual and religious significance. One such temple is the Vastaneshwar Mahadev Temple located in the... Continue Reading →