Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal, Rajasthan

Mahanaleshvara Temple, Menal, Rajasthan

Mahanaleshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Menal Village in Begun Taluk in Chittorgarh District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is popularly known as the mini Khajuraho temple. The Menal Temple complex consists of a group of Shiva temple on both sides of the waterfall. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India. The name Menal is derived from Maha Nal (great gorge).

History

This Temple complex was built by Chahamana King Someshvar and his queen Suhavadevi of the Shakambhari Chahamana Dynasty during the 11^th century CE. The temples on the left side of the gorge was built by the king while the single temple with a detached monastery across the river was built by the queen.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/mahanaleshvara-temple-menal-temple-complex.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 17 Kms from Mandalgarh Railway Station, 21 Kms from Bijolia, 25 Kms from Begun, 70 Kms from Bhilwara, 85 Kms from Chittorgarh, 89 Kms from Kota, 181 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 195 Kms from Udaipur and 275 Kms from Jaipur. Menal is situated on Bhilwara to Kota route.

Location

Bhand Devra Group of Temples, Ramgarh, Rajasthan

Bhand Devra Group of Temples, Ramgarh, Rajasthan

Bhand Devra Group of Temples is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ramgarh Village in Baran District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is situated on the banks of a pond in the centre of the 4 Kms wide, which was possibly created by a meteor. The temple was constructed in the style of Khajuraho Group of Monuments. Hence, it is famously called as Little Khajuraho. The temple came to be called as Bhand Devra Temple due to the maithuna sculptures. The temple is now protected by the State Archaeological Department.

History

The temple was built in the 10^th century CE by Raja Malaya Verma of Nag dynasty of Malwa as a memorial of his victory over his enemies as per the inscription available in the temple. The temple was extensively renovated by Raja Trisna Verma of Med dynasty in 1162 CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple was constructed in the style of Khajuraho Group of Monuments and in ruined state. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Sabha Mandapa with three entrance porches on east, north and south. The pillars of the Sabha Mandapa are richly decorated with sculptures of celestial beings, damsels and amorous couples. The sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. The Shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. There is a ruined subsidiary shrine to the left side of the main temple. This shrine is facing towards east and follows Nagara style architecture. 

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Mangrol, 17 Kms from Mangrol Bus Stand, 41 Kms from Baran, 42 Kms from Baran Railway Station, 115 Kms from Kota, 258 Kms from Jaipur Airport and 266 Kms from Jaipur. The temple is well connected by bus and other local transport from Mangrol and Baran.

Location

Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat, Rajasthan

Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat, Rajasthan

Ambika Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in the village of Jagat near Udaipur City in Udaipur District, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This Temple is famously called as Khajuraho of Rajasthan or  Khajuraho of Mewar. The temple is preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 960 CE. There is an inscription dated to 1306 CE recording the genealogy of Bagar clan rulers. 

The Temple

The temple is an early, transitional, example of the style known as Maru-Gurjara architecture. This Temple is facing towards east with a two storied entrance mandapa. Sculptures of Maithuna figures, Ashta Matrikas and scenes from Samudra Mandan can be seen on pillars and ceilings of the entrance mandapa. This temple is enclosed by compound walls on all sides. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Sabha Mandapa and entrance porch. The Sabha Mandapa has projections on two of its sides with beautifully carved windows.

The Sanctum houses Ambika, a form of the Hindu Goddess Durga. The exterior walls of the Sanctum and Sabha Mandapa are richly decorated with various forms of Goddess Durga, Mahishasura Mardhini, Nava Durga, Veenadharini, Saraswathi, Ganpati in dancing posture, Yama, Kuber, Vayu, Indra, Lakshmi, Saptamatrikas, Surasundaris, Apasaras, dikpalakas, maithuna figures, dancers, musicians, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 34 Kms from Udaipur, 36 Kms from Udaipur Bus Station, 37 Kms from Udaipur Railway Station, 42 Kms from Udaipur Airport and 426 Kms from Jaipur. The Temple is situated on a regular bus route via Kurawad and can be easily accessed from Udaipur.

Location