Kaleshwari Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kaleshwari, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The Temple is situated to the north of the Ghummatwalu Mandir (Shiva Temple). The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Mala Rana, the prince of Lunavada State restored the temple in 1549 CE as per a worn out inscription on one of the pillars in the hall.

The Temple

The current temple seems to be the sabha mandapa of an erstwhile temple. The temple is now lost completely as the traces of sanctum and antrala could not be found. The temple enshrines an idol of Lord Nataraja in a niche in the wall which is locally worshipped as Kaleshwari. This niche is later addition to the original structure. The original idol of Kaleshwari housed in the sanctum of the earlier temple is probably lost or not found.

The roof of the temple is supported by four pillars, two half pillars and ten pilasters. The front portions is covered by parapet walls on both sides of the entrance. The inner portion of the parapet wall is provided with seating arrangement made of stone (Kakshasana). The side walls of the hall has two openings in the centre acting like window for the hall.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The temple is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos