Amruteshwar Temple
The Amruteshwar Temple is an ancient, intricately carved Shiva temple located in Ratanwadi, Maharashtra. Constructed in the 9th century CE by the Shilahara dynasty, it is recognized as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Key Facts
- ›Built by the Shilahara dynasty in the 9th century CE.
- ›Dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a unique lingam installed over a cavity in the rock.
- ›Features a well-preserved, ornamental shikhara with four vertical spires.
- ›The temple complex includes a stepped tank (pushkarani) and subsidiary shrines.
- ›Declared a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- ›One of twelve Shiva temples built by King Jhanjha.
Shiva
National Monument of Importance, Architectural Preservation, Historical Religious Site
Shilahara Dynasty
Stone
King Jhanjha, Shilahara Dynasty Rulers
- Carved Pillars
- Geometrical Patterns On Walls
- Images of Ganesha and Vishnu In Subsidiary Shrines
About Amruteshwar Temple
The Amruteshwar Temple is a historically significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Ratanwadi, Maharashtra, India. It is renowned for its intricate carvings and is over 1200 years old, dating back to the 9th century CE.
Historical Context and Construction
The temple was built by the rulers of the Shilahara dynasty, a prominent kingdom in the region during that era. Historical accounts indicate that King Jhanjha was responsible for the construction of this temple as part of a group of twelve Shiva temples he commissioned. The temple's foundation in the 9th century places it among the older Shiva temples in the region.
Architectural Features
Measuring 61m by 36m, the Amruteshwar Temple is surrounded by a low parapet. Its plan includes a mandapa (hall), an antarala (antechamber), and a garbhagriha (sanctum) to the east, preceded by a porch. The temple faces west. A unique feature is the lingam installed in the shrine, which is composed of a yoni placed over a cavity in the rock, with three stones stacked to form a kalasha shape. A Nandi statue is positioned at the western gate, facing the shrine's backdoor. The shikhara (tower) above the shrine is intact and highly ornamental, featuring four vertical spires with diminishing miniature shikharas and capped with an amalaka. While the mandapa's roof has disappeared and been infilled with various stones, its inner lintels remain. The walls are decorated with geometrical patterns, though they are notably devoid of images. The pillars are carved, featuring a square base, an octagonal member, and a circular top.
Surrounding Complex and Significance
Adjacent to the temple is a stepped tank, locally known as a pushkarani, which is square in plan and has stepped entrances from three directions. The niches around the pushkarani contain subsidiary shrines with images of deities such as Ganesha and various forms of Vishnu, including Sheshayi and Madhava. The Archaeological Survey of India has recognized the importance of the Amruteshwar Temple by declaring it a monument of national importance, highlighting its value for historical preservation and architectural study.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Amruteshwar Temple built?
The Amruteshwar Temple was built in the 9th century CE. It is over 1200 years old.
Who built the Amruteshwar Temple?
The temple was built by the rulers of the Shilahara dynasty. King Jhanjha is credited with building this temple as one of twelve Shiva temples.
What is the architectural style of the Amruteshwar Temple?
The temple showcases intricate carvings. Its shikhara is ornamental with four vertical spires, and the pillars are carved with a square base, octagonal member, and a circular top.
What deity is worshipped at the Amruteshwar Temple?
The Amruteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam installed in the shrine is particularly unique.
What is significant about the lingam at Amruteshwar Temple?
The lingam consists of a yoni placed over a cavity in the rock. Three stones in the shape of a kalasha are stacked one over the other on top.
Are there other structures within the Amruteshwar Temple complex?
Yes, the complex includes a stepped tank known as a pushkarani, which is square on plan. There are also several subsidiary shrines in niches around the tank, housing images of Ganesha and various forms of Vishnu.
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