Nagara Style of Architecture

  1. Markandeshwar Temple, Chamorshi, Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra (1/22/2021) - Located at the bank of the sacred Wainganga River in Markanda village in Gadchiroli district, the ancient temple complex of Markandeshwar is popularly called as the ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha’. Titled by historians and architects as the ‘Most Picturesque Temple Complex’, the iconic Markanda Mahadev Temple is steeped in spirituality, heritage and culture.   This temple... Continue Reading →
  2. Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Kokum, Maharashtra (1/25/2021) - Kokum (Garcinia indica) called as the ‘The Kool King’ of Indian fruits flourishes in the dense forests of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Konkan kokum is a perennial fruit of commercial value that thrives in the scenic Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.   According to the locals, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have about 43,000 centuries-old kokum... Continue Reading →
  3. Roha Fort, Roha Village, Nakhatrana Taluka, Kutch, Gujarat (1/27/2021) - One of the oldest forts in Gujarat which at its zenith would have been an outstanding example of the grandeur and architecture typical of the Kutch region is the Roha Fort located at a little distance from Bhuj. Standing tall at 800 feet on the Roha hill overlooking the vast town of Roha, this centuries-old... Continue Reading →
  4. Anandeshwar Temple, Lasur Village, Amravati District, Maharashtra (1/28/2021) - One of the most interesting and lesser-known rock temples of Maharashtra is the Anandeshwar Temple at Lasur village in Daryapur taluka in Amravati district. Built on the bank of the Purna River on raised ground, this temple built in black stone looks very much like a fort from a distance. Historical records state that this... Continue Reading →
  5. Bhitargaon Temple, Bhitargaon, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh (1/29/2021) - One of the finest brick temples of India is the Bhitargaon Temple at Bhitargaon village in Ghatampur tehsil in Kanpur Nagar district. Considered to be the earliest surviving temple built by the Guptas, this architectural masterpiece is constantly in the news for its innovative construction as well as its mysterious background. Though the plan of... Continue Reading →
  6. Waghya Ghevada, Maharashtra (2/1/2021) - One of the most famous cash crops of Western Maharashtra is Waghya ghevada. Grown extensively in North Koregaon taluka of Satara district, this rajma was first cultivated in 1950 by the late Kashinath Mahajan who bought seeds of this variety from a trader in Pune. This variety soon became popular with the locals and was... Continue Reading →
  7. Puneri Pagadi, Maharashtra (2/2/2021) - Pagadi or turban has historically been a sign of culture, wisdom, virility and often used identify the different sections of community. Puneri pagadi is an inseparable part of Pune which is the cultural capital of Maharashtra.   Puneri pagadi is conceptualized from the Peshwe turban worn by the Peshwas which itself was inspired by the traditional Chakribandh... Continue Reading →
  8. Nibiya Khera Temple, Bhadwara, Kanpur Dehat District, Uttar Pradesh (3/11/2021) - One of the best-preserved brick temple complexes of the 9th – 10th century is found in the sleepy village of Nibiya Khera in Bhadwara. Though no inscription has been found, it is likely that the Gurjara – Pratihara dynasty who ruled over a large part of Northern India built this temple.   This temple complex... Continue Reading →
  9. On the history trail: Chandashoka and The Kalinga War (3/12/2021) - Along with the wily Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty built one of the largest empires in Akanda Bharat. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara who was equal to the task. Bindusara not only consolidated the control over the empire but also extended it further south. Travellers’ documentation and... Continue Reading →
  10. Eathamozhy Tall Coconut of Tamil Nadu (3/15/2021) - A rare type of tall coconut variety with immense historical, religious and commercial importance known locally as Eathamozhy or Eathamozhi tall coconut thrives in Kanyakumari district. The unique morphological traits found in this variety are of a superior genetic constitution and it is unsurprising that there is great demand for the seedlings of Eathamozhy tall... Continue Reading →
  11. Santipore Saree of West Bengal (3/16/2021) - One of the most exquisite weaves in cotton and silk is found in the Bengal heartland of Shantipur – Phulia. Called as Shantipuri, this centuries-old tant (traditional Bengali saree) derives its name from Shantipur in Nadia district. The ancient handloom industry in Shantipur has been mentioned in manuscripts glorifying the life of Advaita Acharya as... Continue Reading →
  12. Kurumbera Fort, Gaganeshwar Village, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal (3/17/2021) - An interesting fort complex built during the glory days of Bengal relegated to obscurity is the Kurumbera Fort which is at a little distance from Kharagpur. Kurumbera Fort which derives its name from kurum which means stone and bera which means fence and collectively means an area fenced by stone in the local language is located in the historically... Continue Reading →
  13. On the history trail: Tulja Bhavani and The Battle of Pratapgad (3/19/2021) - The capture of the hill forts of Purandar, Kalyan and Bhiwandi and the death, ruin and defection of feudatories like the Mores of Javli and the Sawants of Wadi respectively effected by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his able aides brought the crippling Bijapur kingdom to its knees. The construction of the new hill fort of... Continue Reading →
  14. On the history trail: Nadir Shah invited to invade India by the Mughal Invaders (3/26/2021) - If ever awards for stupidity were to be handed out, it is highly likely that Aurangzeb would confer one for himself and award the rest to his incompetent descendants. By the end of his reign, Aurangzeb who had waged war with the Marathas for twenty-five years and had only pyrrhic victories to his credit undid... Continue Reading →
  15. Narmada Parikrama: Karna Matha Temples (Amarkantak Group of Ancient Temples), Amarkantak, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh (8/11/2021) - The Narmada Parikrama, a 3500-km journey that starts near the Arabian Sea in Gujarat takes one to the origin of the Narmada River at Amarkantak. Known as Amarkuta in Kalidasa’s Meghaduta, Amarkantak has been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as a mountain of incalculable sanctity. Amarkantak is one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in... Continue Reading →
  16. Narmada Parikrama: Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple and Chhappan Dev Mandir, Mandleshwar, Madhya Pradesh (8/19/2021) - The world’s first Adi Shiva Linga is found in the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple in Mandleshwar on the banks of the Rewa River. This temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in the world and has been described in detail in the Puranas.   Legend has it that a pindi (upper part of the Shiva... Continue Reading →
  17. Narmada Parikrama: Baneshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh (8/26/2021) - The picturesque city of Maheshwar, located on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is synonymous with history, culture, art, architecture, faith, spirituality, courage, patriotism and romanticism. Every square inch of this ancient city has a story that will be leave you spellbound.   Maheshwar is one of the most important kshetras on the Narmada Parikrama and... Continue Reading →
  18. Narmada Parikrama: Vindhyavasini Beejasan Durga Devi, Salkanpur Village, Budni Tehsil, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh (9/2/2021) - One of the most revered Durga Mata temples in India is the Vindyavasini Beejasan Durga Devi Temple located in Salkanpur village at a little distance from Hoshangabad that lies on the Narmada Parikrama. This ancient temple is situated atop a hillock at an elevation of 800 feet and accessed by a flight of about 1000... Continue Reading →
  19. Narmada Parikrama: Swayambu Sidhpeeth Sri Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (9/9/2021) - One of the most ancient Shiva temples on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is the Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir in Jabalpur. Jabalpur is a part of the Narmada Parikrama and thousands of devotees come here every year to have darshan of Maa Narmada and participate in the aarti.   This temple has been mentioned in the Koti... Continue Reading →
  20. Narmada Parikrama: Sahastradhara, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh (9/16/2021) - One of the most revered places in Mandla is Sahastradhara, located at a little distance from the heart of the town. Sahastradhara derives its name from the Sanskrit words sahastra which means thousand and dhārā which means streams or watercourses.   According to the Puranas, Ravana, Lord of Lanka chanced upon the serene waters of the... Continue Reading →
  21. Mahadeva Temple, Amrol Village, Gwalior District, Madhya Pradesh (9/24/2021) - One of the finest examples of the early Pratihara style of architecture in Central India is the Mahadeva Temple in Amrol village. This ancient temple is likely to have been built in the 8th century by either Nagabhata I or Vatsaraja.   The temples built by the Pratiharas in Gwalior are considered by historians to be... Continue Reading →
  22. Large Siva Temple, Mahua Village, Khaniadhana Tehsil, Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh (10/21/2021) - A little-known architectural gem built towards the end of the 7th century is the ancient Shiva Temple located in the historically important Mahua village in Shivpuri district. Mahua, formerly known as Madhumati as per a Ranod inscription has many temples (though now in ruins) of great antiquity.   There is very little information available about... Continue Reading →
  23. Brahmanical Rock-cut Temple (Dharamarajeshwara Temple), Chandwasa Village, Garoth Tehsil, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh (10/22/2021) - Dharmarajeshwara Temple (Dharmarajeshwar Temple) is a structural and architectural ingenuity carved entirely out of natural rock. This 8th to 9th century monolithic rock-cut temple was built by either the Gurjara-Pratiharas or the Rashtrakutas, as at first glance, this temple looks a lot like the marvellous Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora Caves.   The temple also known... Continue Reading →
  24. Shiva Mandapika Temple, Mahua Village, Khaniadhana Tehsil, Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh (10/29/2021) - Shiva Mandapika Temple, an early example of Shaiva Siddhanta in Central India is located in the historical city of Mahua, formerly known as Madhumati. This 7th century temple known locally as Small Siva Temple is the oldest surviving temple of this village.   The temple stands on a low platform and is built as a... Continue Reading →
  25. Sun Temple, Madkhera Village, Tikamgarh District, Madhya Pradesh (11/18/2021) - The Sun Temple located in the sleepy village of Madkhera in Tikamgarh district is a beautiful example of 9th century temple architecture. Built by the Gurjara-Pratiharas in the typical Nagara style of architecture, this marvellous structure has some of the most exquisite carvings of its time.   This east-facing temple is built on a high... Continue Reading →
  26. Joda Temple, Baihar, Balaghat District, Madhya Pradesh (12/9/2021) - Joda Temple, as the name suggests is a pair of temples located in the vibrant town of Baihar in Balaghat district. The 12th century temples face each other and are located by the side of an ancient tank.   The temples are in a state of disrepair with a large section of architectural elements and... Continue Reading →
  27. Prachin Shiv Mandir, Khakhparta Village, Lohardaga District, Jharkhand (2/17/2022) - Madhya Bharat, the centre of Shaivism between the 9th to 10th century is dotted with beautiful Shiva Temples built in the Nagara as well as Rekha Deul style of architecture predominantly seen in Odisha and parts of West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh.   One stunning example of the Rekha Deul style that has miraculously survived the ravages of the... Continue Reading →
  28. Devra Baba Mandir, Korari Village, Bahua Block, Fatehpur District, Uttar Pradesh (3/24/2022) - The fertile region of Fatehpur is dotted with exquisite examples of 4th to 8th century brickwork. The temples of Tenduli, Sarahan Buzurg, Thithaura and Korari have the most exemplary ornate bricks that is testimony to the technical proficiency and craftsmanship of the artisans of the post-Gupta period.   Located to the south bank of an... Continue Reading →
  29. Two Ancient Brick Temples, Thithaura Village, Telyani Block, Fatehpur District, Uttar Pradesh (3/31/2022) - The ancient brick temple of Bhorhare Baba (Bharahare Baba or Bhorahare Baba) located 10km north of Bahua in Thithaura village is considered by historians to be an outstanding piece of architecture that is still standing in the Ganga – Yamuna Doab. This temple complex of the 10th century appears to have been built on the... Continue Reading →
  30. Kakora Baba Temple, Bahua, Fatehpur District, Uttar Pradesh (4/7/2022) - The lesser-known Kakora Baba Temple (Kakore Baba) in the bustling town of Bahua in Fatehpur district is a magnificent architectural gem of the 10th century built by the Pratiharas. The original structure dedicated to Lord Maheshwara was made of bricks laid in mud mortar with a thin layer of plaster, had a grand shikhara of moulded... Continue Reading →
  31. Old Shiv Temple, Shambhua Village, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh (4/14/2022) - The Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, undisputedly the most creative and prolific builders of Akhanda Bharat have many architectural masterpieces to their credit. Their best work is seen in Khajuraho, Kalinjar, Ajaigarh and Mahoba which was the capital city.   The Chandelas favoured the Pratihara style of architecture but added their own charm and grandeur to each and... Continue Reading →
  32. Pisanahi Mandir, Birshibpur, Ghatampur Tehsil, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh (4/21/2022) - It is perhaps not known to many that Hamirpur road in Ghatampur tehsil has some of the most beautiful brick temples in Kanpur district. The ancient Temple of Mahadeo Baba in Parauri, Auilyeshwar Mahadev Mandir in Karchulipur, Two ancient temples at Koratha and some smaller ruined temples on this road have exquisite carved brickwork and... Continue Reading →
  33. Chausath Yogini Temple, Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (4/28/2022) - Lalitpur district, once the stronghold of the Guptas and the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti has some of the earliest brick and stone edifices found in Akhanda Bharat. Though a sizeable number of these magnificent structures did not survive the savagery of the Muslim invaders and the British, some of them have been restored to their former splendour... Continue Reading →
  34. Rock-Cut Narasimha, Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (5/5/2022) - Located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Dudhai village is an extremely rare rock-cut image of Lord Narasimha that is nothing short of an engineering and artistic feat. One must remember that the facial expressions, posture and ferocity of Lord Narasimha is probably one of the most difficult to depict even for... Continue Reading →
  35. Lesser Surang Temple (Choti Sarai), Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (5/12/2022) - A stunning example of the architectural ingenuity of the Chandelas is the lesser-known Lesser Surang Temple in Dudhai village in Lalitpur district. This temple is part of a larger complex that is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).   It is extremely unfortunate that the glorious period of the Chandelas and... Continue Reading →
  36. Larger Surang Temple (Badi Sarai), Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (5/19/2022) - The Larger Surang Temple, a 10th – 11th century architectural masterpiece of the Chandelas is one of the many shrines in the dilapidated temple complex at Dudhai village. Commonly known as Badi Sarai, this temple is best known for its twin shrines that share a majestic shikhara.   On first glance, this temple sits on... Continue Reading →
  37. Varaha, Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (5/26/2022) - Another lesser-known sculptural gem of the Chandelas in the temple complex of Dudhai village is the pair of Varahas crafted in the 10th to 11th century. The larger Varaha is seated near the Larger and Lesser Surang Temples while the smaller one popularly known as Bachcha is near the lake.   The larger Varaha sits majestically... Continue Reading →
  38. Linga of Mahadeva Temple, Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (6/2/2022) - Lost in the rubble of the Dudhai village temple complex is the ruined Mahadeva Temple of the 11th century. This temple built on a high platform sits behind the Lesser Surang Temple.   Though it is well-known that this entire temple complex along with the goshala, dharmashala and other structures were built by the Chandelas, this temple... Continue Reading →
  39. Baniya ki Barat, Dudhai Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (6/9/2022) - The glorious period of the Chandelas marked with their engineering and architectural mastery is perhaps best experienced in Dudhai village in Lalitpur district. Historical records state that Dudhai was often referred to as the pride of the Chandelas dotted with exquisite temples, dharmashalas, maths and living quarters for the locals and the learned built by successive... Continue Reading →
  40. Varaha Temple, Deogarh Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (6/16/2022) - A lesser-known edifice of the 7th century is the Varaha Temple located in the south-west corner of the Deogarh Fort in Lalitpur district. This temple though stunning in its own way has been overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the impressive Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple.   The east-facing Varaha Temple stands on a high platform and... Continue Reading →
  41. Kuraiya Bir Temple, Deogarh Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (6/23/2022) - Deogarh, situated on the banks of the Betwa River is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the 5th century. Besides the world-famous Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple, there is the lesser-known Kuraiya Bir Temple seated in the dense forest close to the Varaha Temple.   This east-facing temple sits majestically on a low platform and has a... Continue Reading →
  42. Ancient Brick Temple, Navagaon Village, Raipur District, Chhattisgarh (6/30/2022) - It is perhaps not known to many that Chhattisgarh is one of the few states in India where one can truly appreciate the natural progression of brick art and temples from the 7th to 16th – 17th centuries. This region of Central India has always been an important seat of power for successive dynasties from... Continue Reading →
  43. Makarbai Temple, Makarbai Village, Mahoba District, Uttar Pradesh (7/7/2022) - The architectural brilliance, engineering ingenuity and artistic excellence of the Chandelas is best appreciated in their capital city of Mahoba. Their contribution to art, sculpture, architecture and literature is expressed in their unique style, technique, structural features and design elements in every edifice they built in Mahoba, Kalinjar, Ajaigarh and Khajuraho.   It is greatly... Continue Reading →
  44. Surya Temple, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh (8/3/2022) - The temples, halls, dharmashalas and tanks built by the Chandelas across North India is an excellent example of their architectural grandeur, engineering precision and sculptural beauty. The Chandelas were a devout dynasty who took great pride in abiding by the age-old wisdom and tenets laid down in the Hindu texts.   Every building they designed conformed to... Continue Reading →
  45. Bhandaria Temple, Chandpur Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (8/4/2022) - Chandpur – Jahajpura located near the Betwa River is a lesser-known treasure trove of ancient temples of the 9th – 12th century built by the Chandelas. This magnificent heritage site has five groups of temples along with a number of independent temples built over three centuries.   The five groups are the Sahastralingeshwar Temple, Varaha... Continue Reading →
  46. Varaha Temple Group, Chandpur Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (8/11/2022) - Chandpur – Jahajpura is revered by historians, archaeologists, architects and artists for its exemplary artefacts dating back to the 9th – 12th century. This heritage site is a fine example of the architectural, artistic and engineering prowess of the Chandelas. The east and north-west parts of this complex in particular have innumerable broken sculptures, architectural... Continue Reading →
  47. Sahastralingeshwar Temple Group, Chandpur Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (8/17/2022) - Another beautiful example of the artistic, architectural and sculptural perfection of the Chandelas is the Sahastralingeshwar Temple Group in the revered site of Chandpur – Jahajpura. Chandpur – Jahajpura now in ruins was perhaps one of the most important seats of power of the Chandelas between the 9th – 12th century.   The majestic Sahastralingeshwar... Continue Reading →
  48. Narmada Parikrama: Ahilyeshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh (8/24/2022) - Maheshwar, the revered city of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar located on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is a treasure trove of Akhanda Bharat’s history, culture, art, literature, music, architecture and heritage. This tirthasthala of immense spiritual and religious potency has been at the centre of many important events from the Vedic Period.   This city named... Continue Reading →
  49. Belmori Temple Group, Chandpur Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (8/25/2022) - Chandpur – Jahajpura is an excellent historical and archaeological site to appreciate some of the finest architecture of the Chandelas built between the 9th – 12th century. This remote village literally in the middle of nowhere has countless damaged sculptures, carved stones, decorative panels and ruins of bathing ghats, halls and temples in the east... Continue Reading →
  50. Lakshmi Narayan Temple Group, Chandpur Village, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh (9/1/2022) - The largest group of temples in the historical site of Chandpur – Jahajpura is Lakshmi Narayan. Considered by historians, archaeologists, artists and architects to be one of the finest examples of the engineering, artistic and architectural prowess of the Chandelas, this group of temples though completely in ruins today still manages to exude the charm,... Continue Reading →
  51. Narmada Parikrama: Jaleshwar Temple, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh (9/7/2022) - Considered by scholars, yogis, tapasvis and saints to be one of the most important tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat, Maheshwar is a religious, cultural, intellectual, historical, artistic and architectural powerhouse. A local saying, ‘नर्मदा नदी से निकलने वाला हर कंकर (पत्थर) शंकर का रूप होता है |’ that literally translates to each and every pebble that... Continue Reading →
  52. Bija Mandal, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh (9/8/2022) - A magnificent edifice of the Chaulukya dynasty or Solanki dynasty of Gujarat and the Paramara dynasty that ruled over Madhya Pradesh is the Bija Mandal or Vijaya Mandir. Some historical documents suggest that the foundation of this temple was laid by one Vachaspati, probably the Pant Pradhan of the Chaulukya dynasty and then finished by... Continue Reading →
  53. Narmada Parikrama: Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh (9/14/2022) - On the eastern side of Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple separated by the sangam of Rewa River and Maheshwar River, is the ancient Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple like the Jaleshwar Mahadev is situated atop a hill in the midst of stunning natural beauty and offers a beautiful view of the Narmada River and Maheshwar River through... Continue Reading →
  54. Narmada Parikrama: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh (9/28/2022) - Maheshwar, named after Lord Shiva is dotted with ancient temples, innumerable Shiva Lingas carved at the ghats and decorative chhatris on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River that are perfect for meditation and to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing rising and setting sun.   One of the most beautiful temples built by Punyashlok... Continue Reading →
  55. Narmada Parikrama: Kadambeshwar Mahadev Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh (10/5/2022) - The sacred city of Maheshwar is dotted with many temples of great antiquity, of tremendous spiritual potency and of philosophical and literary excellence. It will be perhaps difficult to find even one place in Maheshwar that has not been mentioned in the Puranas and has not witnessed exemplary erudition.   One of the oldest temples... Continue Reading →
  56. Narmada Parikrama: Shri Raja Rajeshwar Sahasrarjuna Temple, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh (10/12/2022) - One of the oldest temples in Maheshwar also known as Gupta Kashi is Shri Raja Rajeshwar Sahasrarjuna Temple, a little distance away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the mighty Raja Kartavirya Arjuna or Sahastrabahu Arjuna (the thousand-armed one).   Raja Kartavirya Arjuna is believed to be... Continue Reading →
  57. Narmada Parikrama: Sahastradhara, Maheshwar, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh (10/19/2022) - Sahastradhara, one of the most mesmerizing tirthasthalas of Maheshwar is best accessed by boat from the heart of the ancient city. Sahastradhara derives its name from the Sanskrit words sahastra which means thousand and dhārā which means streams or watercourses.   According to the Puranas, Ravana, Lord of Lanka chanced upon the serene waters of the Rewa River while... Continue Reading →
  58. Vamanavatar Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (8/30/2023) - 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 →
  59. Ashtamata Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (9/6/2023) - 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 →
  60. Ganesha Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (9/20/2023) - 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 →
  61. Shiv Temple and Kund, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (9/27/2023) - 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 →
  62. Sheshashayan Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (10/9/2023) - 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 →
  63. Trimurti Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (10/11/2023) - 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 →
  64. Sringar Chauri, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (10/18/2023) - 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 →
  65. Ghateshwar Mahadev Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan (10/25/2023) - 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 →
  66. Shiva Temple, Sakour Village, Hatta Tehsil, Damoh District, Madhya Pradesh (11/24/2023) - A lesser – known edifice of the late Gupta period is the 6th century Shiva Temple located in the obscure village of Sakour. Archaeological excavations conducted in this village have uncovered coins of Maharajadhiraja Shri Samudragupta, Maharajadhiraja Shri Chandragupta and Maharajadhiraja Shri Skandagupta indicating that this village must have been an important seat of learning,... Continue Reading →

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