Virupaksha Temple, Bilpank, Madhya Pradesh

Virupaksha Temple, Bilpank, Madhya Pradesh

Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bilpank Village in Ratlam Tehsil in Ratlam District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple follows Gurjara-Chalukyan style of architecture, a contemporary style of the Paramara temple architecture. This temple is also called as Bilkeshwar Temple.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 1st century BCE by the rulers of Shunga dynasty. The Kushana era pillar on the right side in the sabha mandapa at the entrance of the temple lends credibility to this historical fact. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Iltutmish of Delhi Sultanate. Later, the temple was completely reconstructed in 13^th century CE by Chaulukya dynasty.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is built over a low raised platform. This temple follows panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style where the main shrine is built on a raised platform with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners and making it a total of five shrines. This temple follows Gurjara-Chalukyan style of architecture, a contemporary style of the Paramara temple architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa.

The sabha mandapa is supported by 22 intricately carved pillars. There is a Kushana era pillar situated on the right side in the sabha mandapa at the entrance of the temple. Images of Uma Maheshwar, Ardhnarishwar, Harihar, Chamunda, Parvati,  and Ganpati can be seen in the antrala. The doorjamb of the sanctum doorway is profusely carved. The base of the doorjamb has been carved with images of dvarapalas and river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna.

The sanctum is square and saptaratha on plan. The sanctum has four central pillars and four pilasters on all four corners to support the roof. The sanctum enshrines a mutilated Shiva Linga. The Jaladhari of the Shiva Linga has an inscription recording that it was established in 1887 CE. A Paramara era earthen lamp keeping posts can be seen inside the sanctum. There is a huge metal bell near the temple. This bell is engraved with Samvat year 1941.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Nauganwan Railway Station, 16 Kms from Ratlam Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Ratlam, 19 Kms from Ratlam Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Badnawar, 79 Kms from Dhar, 89 Kms from Ujjain, 123 Kms from Indore Airport and 124 Kms from Indore. The temple is situated on Ratlam to Dhar route.

Location