Chaukhamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Chaukhamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Chaukhamba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is situated next to the Hindola Torana. 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 built in 10^th century CE by Kachchhapaghata rulers.

The Temple

This monument consists of four pillars, situated next to the Hindola Torana. It is considered to be central pillars of the mandapa of an ancient temple once existed here. This temple might have faced towards east and might have been dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Hindu trinity. The temple is believed to have been 150 ft east to west and 85 ft north to south. The pillars are profusely decorated by ornate carvings on all sides. The Hindola Torana would have been the entrance gateway of the ancient temple complex.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 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