Twin Temples of Gandharadi – The Temple Complex

Twin Temples of Gandharadi – The Temple Complex

The temple complex houses twin identical temples dedicated to Siddhesvara (Lord Shiva) on the left side and Nilamadhava (Lord Vishnu) on the right side. Both the temples were built on one single raised platform. Both the temples are exactly similar to each other. The temple is also locally known as Chari Sambhu Mandira (the temple of four Shambhus or Shiva lingas).

Siddhesvara in the sanctum of Siddhesvara temple, Jogesvara in jagamohana at the left side of the entrance door to the sanctum, Kapilesvara in jagamohana at the right side of the entrance door to the sanctum and Paschima Somanatha at a short distance away from Siddhesvara temple are the four Shambhus (Shiva Lingas) present in the temple complex.

Paschima Somanatha temple is facing towards west. Idols of Ganesha in Paschima Somanatha temple and eight armed Durga under a banyan tree are of considerable antiquity. These idols might have been placed inside the Siddhesvara temple once. An idol of five feet tall Hanuman and an intricately carved Navagraha slab can be seen in the village.

Siddhesvara Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and a jagamohana with terraced roof. The vimana is square whereas the jagamohana is rectangular. The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Siddhesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha. The mastaka of Siddhesvara temple is crowned by an akasha Linga. The temple is decorated with scroll work, latticed window and architectural motifs like elongated khakhara mundis, naga nagi pilasters, chaitya medallions etc.

Nila Madhava Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and a jagamohana with terraced roof. The vimana is square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular on plan. The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Nila Madhava, a form of Lord Vishnu. The mastaka of Nilamadhava temple is crowned by an akasha chakra. The temple is decorated with scroll work, latticed window and architectural motifs like elongated khakhara mundis, naga nagi pilasters, chaitya medallions etc.