Atha Khamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Atha Khamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Atha Khamba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

Gyaraspur was an important town in medieval India. It has several ruins of ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist places of worship dated between 9th to 10th century CE. The name Gyaraspur is derived from a fair held at the eleventh month of the Hindu calendar, gyaras means joy at the eleventh. Gyaraspur is also famous for a Salabhanjika sculpture, currently housed in Gwalior Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum (Gwalior Fort Museum).

The sculpture is considered an exceptional beauty by renowned historians. She is also called as Indian Venus or Gyaraspur Lady. The temple was lost completely except its eight pillars. Thus, the temple came to be called as Atha Khamba Temple. The Temple was built in 982 CE as per the inscription in the temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps from the eastern side. The temple might have consisted of mukha mandapa, antrala and sanctum. The temple currently consists of eight pillars only. Thus, the temple came to be called as Atha Khamba (Eight Pillar) Temple. The structure now comprises two pillars of antrala, carrying a makara torana and the four central pillars of the hall. The pillars are profusely carved with pot creeper motifs. The pillars are octagonal and has lion faces at the four corners of the lower capital. There is a honey-comb style pillar segment on top of the lower capital followed by the upper capital which support the beams of the mandapa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 metres from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 36 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha, 46 Kms from Sanchi, 75 Kms from Sagar, 95 Kms from Bhopal and 100 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location