Sunday, February 26, 2023

Neelkantheshwar Temple, Lateri, Madhya Pradesh

Neelkantheshwar Temple, Lateri, Madhya Pradesh

Neelkantheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Lateri Town in Lateri Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is called as Chhoti Madgan. The temple is believed to be built in 11th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.


The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over raised platform. The temple measures 16.30 metres in length x 5.5 meters in breadth. The temple originally consisted of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The mandapa has been lost completely and a modern platform can be seen at its place. Images of Lakshmi Narayan on the right and Uma Maheswara on the left can be seen in the front side of the temple. The door jamb is profusely carved.


The lower portion of the doorjamb is carved with river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna with their attendants and dvarapalas on either side. The dedicatory block in the block has the image of Ganesha. Images of nine goddesses are carved above the lintel. The sanctum is situated on lower elevation and can be accessed by descending through flight of steps. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Neelkantheshwar in the form of Shiva Linga.


The exterior of the temple is carved with images of Chamunda, Bhairava, Saraswathi, Brahma, Brahmani, various deities, apsaras, nayikas, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. The shikara of the temple follows bhumija style of architecture. The shikara is crowned with amalaka and kalasha on its top. There is a well measuring 80 x 60 feet situated to the north of the temple. It is locally called as Madagan.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Lateri Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Maksudangarh, 30 Kms from Sironj, 59 Kms from Biaora, 61 Kms from Biaora Railway Station, 81 Kms from Guna, 84 Kms from Vidisha, 104 Kms from Bhopal and 105 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated on Sironj to Maksudangarh route.

Location

No comments:

Post a Comment