Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Achalgarh – The Temple

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Achalgarh – The Temple

The temple is situated on top of a hillock, outside the fort of Achalgarh. The temple is entirely built with white marble blocks. Idols of two elephants can be seen guarding the entrance of the temple. Two elephants facing each other stands tall at the entrance gate of the shrine. Nandi, housed in a four pillared mandapa, can be found immediately after the entrance, facing the sanctum.

The Nandi is made of five different metals and weighs about 4 tons. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapa and frontal porch. The sanctum houses Achaleshwar in the form of Shiva Linga housed within a circular yonipitha. It is said that the Linga in the form of dome is considered as the toe of Lord Shiva. It is unique to note that the Shiva Linga changes its colour thrice a day.

It appears red in the morning, saffron in the noon and wheatish in the evening. There is a semicircular pit in the sanctum, considered to be the gateway to Naraka, the netherworld. The water offered to the Shiva Linga disappears through this pit. It is still a mystery, where the water goes. Sculptures of the goddess Chamunda can be seen on the rear and the left side niches of walls.

There is a Dharam Kanta (Scales of Justice) built over the two intricately  carved pillars on the left side of the temple. It is a tradition that the King, taking over the charge, first receive the blessings of Achaleshwar Mahadev and then sit over Dharam Kanta and take an oath of being impartial to the people of his territory.

Shrines of Dasavathara (Varaha, Narasimha, Kurma, Vamana, Matsya, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Parasurama & Kalki), Paapa Kanteshwar, Somnath, Surya Narayan, Navagrahas, Shankateshwar, Omkareshwar, Markandeshwar and Dwarkadhish can be seen in the temple premises. There is a huge Champa tree can be seen in the temple complex. There is small beautiful lake named Mandakini, surrounded by rocky hills situated very near to this temple. It has three idols of buffalos on its bank.