Mahadeva Temple, Gurha, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Gurha, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gurha Village in Mehrauni Tehsil in Lalitpur District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries.

The Temple

This temple stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum and entrance porch. The entrance porch is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The sanctum doorway is intricately carved and has carvings of river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna with their attendants at its base. There is an inscription dated to 1092 CE can be seen above the lintel of the sanctum doorway.

The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The sanctum is crowned with a nagara style shikara. The top portion of the shikara had been lost completely. The exterior of the temple is decorated with niches housing images of Hindu deities on three sides, pilasters, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. There is a Sati slab with inscriptions dated to 14^th century CE can be seen in front of the temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 12 Kms from Bachhrai, 21 Kms from Madawara, 28 Kms from Mahrauni, 30 Kms from Malthone, 51 Kms from Tikamgarh, 55 Kms from Lalitpur, 57 Kms from Lalitpur Junction Railway Station and 225 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated at about 12 Kms to the east of Bachhrai on Malthone to Mahrauni route.

Location