Anateshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandpur, Gujarat

Anateshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandpur, Gujarat

Anateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Anandpur Village in Chotila Taluk in Surendranagar District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Temple is situated at the fort of the Thanga Hill. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Anandpur was an outpost of the kings of Anhilwad Patan in ancient times. The temple is believed to be built by Jayasimha Siddharaja, but the local tribe known as Charans believe that the temple was built by Raja Anant Chudasma in 1068 CE. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Anantesvar and got corrupted to Anteshvar. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Mohammed of Ghazni. Anandpur was abandoned in 1264 CE and it was repopulated by the Kathis in 1608 CE. The temple rooms were used as hiding place during Indian rebellion of 1857 CE. They are now known as Brahmachari's Residence. The temple was renovated by Kathis in 1857 CE.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is an open pillared mandapa with a domical roof. It is of recent addition to the temple. The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Anateshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows Bhumija style of architecture. The Shikhara is made up of miniature shrines called Urushringa all the way up culminating in the horizontal fluted disc called the Amalaka ending with the Kalash. The exterior of the sanctum is elaborately carved. 

Festivals

A fair is held at the temple during the month of Shravan (July–August).

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Kamlapur, 26 Kms from Jasdan, 28 Kms from Chotila, 28 Kms from Chotila Railway Station, 50 Kms from Rajkot, 52 Kms from Rajkot Airport, 86 Kms from Surendranagar and 194 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Jasdan to Chotila route.

Location