Kalayat Ancient Bricks Temple Complex – The Temple Complex

Kalayat Ancient Bricks Temple Complex – The Temple Complex

The temple complex is situated on the banks of Kapilayatana Tirtha / Kapil Muni Tirth. The temple complex comprises of several Hindu temples, including two ancient temples dating back to 7^th century CE. The ancient temples were built in Gurjara Pratihara style of architecture. The layout of the temple complex indicates that the temple follows Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines.

The ancient temples were made of red bricks without using any mortar or plaster. Only two temples survived to this date. One temple remains better preserved whereas the other temple underwent extensive modifications. These temples are the best surviving specimens of north Indian temple in this region belonging to pre-Muslim era. The brick temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is pancharatha on plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style of Gurjara Pratihara architecture.

The shikara has miniature chaitya window themes created on a decoratively arched frontage. The style is used repeatedly and slowly withdrawn in the corners of the temple. The center of the temple is beautifully decorated and looks like an inspiring canopy. The bricks used in the temple are beautifully carved with floral and other designs without any mortar. There are stairs at the back leading to the Kapil Muni Tirtha, where pilgrims take a bath before worship. There are temples of Katyayini Devi, Hanuman and Akhara in the temple complex.