Krimchi Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

Krimchi Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

Krimchi Group of Temples is a complex of seven ancient temples, located on a hillock, in the foothills of Shivalik Hills, between two small streams Bishma and Krimchi. Out of seven temples, four are larger temples and the rest three are smaller temples. Only five of the seven temples are in good condition. The temples were constructed of locally available sand stone. All the temples exhibit striking Hellenistic features in their architectural style due to the influence of Indo Greek culture prevalent in the region during ancient times.

The Temples  at Krimchi are marked as No. 1 to 7 by  ASI for easy reference. Temples No. 1,2,3,6 and 7 are built on a common raised platform. Temple No. 4 is built on much higher platform. All the temples are facing towards east except Temple No. 3. The Krimchi temple complex follows the classical style, with sanctum, a shikhara over the sanctum, an amalaka or a crowning ornament on top of the shikhara, a mandapa in front of the sanctum, an antarala between the mandapa and the sanctum.

Temple No. 1:

This temple is facing towards east. It is the most developed and ornamented among the temples in the complex. The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Vaikuntha Vishnu. It depicts large size mouldings, niches for Dikpalakas and Saptamatrikas in addition to Parsvadevatas. All the niches possess pediment design decoration resting on two pillars.

Temple No. 2:

This temple is facing towards east. It is more elaborate on plan and higher in elevation. It has an intact mandapa, whereas all the other temples are survived with the remnants of a mandapa. It can be inferred that it had a roof in pyramidal shape. Its mandapa is entered through three trifoliate arches. The mandapa usually stands on the vertical pillars and these pillars were decorated with various motifs.

Horizontal columns on which variety of geometrical motif fixed as ceiling slabs support these pillars. Initially, the mandapa used to be very small in dimension but with passage of time as number of devotees arose the mandapa was enlarged in the form of Ardha Mandapa to accommodate more devotees. The two small shrines on the same platform are survived with only plinths.

Temple No. 3:

This temple is facing towards west. It is considered to be the oldest and smallest temple in the complex. The temple consists of a square sanctum with a pyramidal roof and antrala. The antarala of the temple is provided with a wagon or horse vaulted roof.

Temple No. 4:

This temple is facing towards east. It is built over a raised platform. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps from three sides. It is revealed during an excavation by ASI that this temple on brick structure datable to post Gupta period constructed over 70×50 ft plinth area.

Temple No. 5:

This temple is facing towards east. It is built at a lower level compared to the other temples in the complex. The doorjambs of the sanctum are richly decorated with sculptures of river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna. The exterior walls of the temple has traces of niches.

Sculptures:

The shikaras, walls, pillars and doorjambs are richly decorated with sculptures of dvarapalas, divine figures, semi-divine figures, river goddesses, dikpalakas, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Sculptural Shed:

Several sculptures, terracotta figurines, copper coins, iron arrow heads, bead of some precious stones, pestles  and earthen pots found during the excavations in the temple complex and nearby area are exhibited in a shed for the visitors. Ruins of stone pillars with their bases & capitals, a sculpture of a male torso and a footprint on a stone slab excavated near the Devika river, which flows near the temple can be seen in the temple premises.