Dihar Twin Temples, West Bengal – The Temple Complex

Dihar Twin Temples – The Temple Complex

The temple complex consists of two early medieval temples namely Saresvara and Shailesvara Temples. The temple complex is situated on the elevated bank of the Kana nadi in the northern corner of the village of Dihar. It is said that the temples were built upon the Chalcolithic / Neolithic habitational mounds.

Saresvara Temple:

This temple follows Kalingan deul style architecture. The temple is built with laterite stones. The temple consists of sanctum and a shallow entrance porch. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity Saresvara / Sanreswara / Shadeswara in the form of Shiva Linga. The shikara (superstructure) over the sanctum have long been collapsed. The shikara follows nagara style architecture.

The external walls of the temple are decorated with images of deities, human figurines, floral motifs and geometric designs. Most of these works are eroded due to the force of nature and human negligence. Nandi can be found facing towards the sanctum. The temple got its name from this Nandi only (Sar means Bull). The stone idol of Nandi is heavily eroded losing all its intricate features.

Sailesvara Temple:

This temple follows Kalingan deul style architecture. The temple is built with laterite stones. The temple consists of sanctum and a shallow entrance porch. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity Sailesvara in the form of Shiva Linga. The shikara (superstructure) over the sanctum have long been collapsed. The shikara follows nagara style architecture. The external walls of the temple are decorated with images of deities, human figurines, floral motifs and geometric designs. Most of these works are eroded due to the force of nature and human negligence.