Sheorinarayan Group of Temples, Shivarinarayan – The Temples

Sheorinarayan Group of Temples, Shivarinarayan – The Temples

There are many temples at Sheorinarayan mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu except one temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Almost all the temples lost its antique value due to the renovation activities carried out in the past.

Nara Narayana Temple:

This Temple is considered as the main temple of Sheorinarayan. It is believed that the temple was constructed by King Shabar. The present structure is of recent origin except the sanctum and its doorway. There is an ancient image of Lakshmi Narayana riding over Garuda on left side of the main entrance. The image is surrounded by the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

The anthropomorphic forms of conch and discus attributes of Vishnu are found on two lateral walls of the mandapa just before the sanctum. The sanctum doorway is profusely carved and river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be found at the bottom of the doorjambs. They are flanked by a pair of dvarapalas on each side.

An image of Lord Vishnu can be seen in the center of the door lintel and another image of Lord Vishnu riding over Garuda can be seen above it. The sanctum enshrines an image of Narayan. There is a shrine housing a set of footprints in a small shrine adjacent to the Nar Narayan Temple. It is believed that the foot prints belonged to Lord Rama.

Keshava Narayana Temple:

This temple is situated opposite to Nara Narayana temple. The temple consists of sanctum and ardha mandapa. The temple retains its original structure but the shikara is lost completely. The sanctum doorway is profusely carved and river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be found at the bottom of the doorjambs. They are flanked by a pair of dvarapalas on each side.

Various images of Lord Vishnu can be seen on the door jamb. It is unusual to find an image of Vishwakarma on the lalata bimba. An image of Lord Shiva can be seen above it. The sanctum enshrines an image of Kesava Narayana. The image is surrounded by the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. A lady is depicted near the feet of Lord Vishnu. Locals believe that the lady was Shabari, but it must be Lakshmi.

Chandrachudha Temple:

This temple is considered as the only Shiva temple at Sheorinarayan and probably the oldest temple in Sheorinarayan as per the inscription available in the temple. The temple is located next to the Nara Narayan Temple.

Jagannath Temple:

The Temple is built similar to the Puri Jagannath Temple. It was constructed in 1927 CE. There is an old Peepal tree, situated next to the temple. It is popularly called as Krishnavat and Makkhan Katori.