Charchoma Shiva Temple

Kota, Rajasthan

By Dr Nikita Rathore

View of the main temple structure from the southwest. The garbhagriha, unlike the mandapa exterior, shows some decoration on its façade. The garbhagriha stands on base mouldings with jaali (checkered) windows and chaitya arches. It has a simple latina type shikhara (spire) with niches topped by udgama pediments (pediment with interconnected chaitya dormers) which look like miniature shikaras.
View of the main temple structure from the southwest. The garbhagriha, unlike the mandapa exterior, shows some decoration on its façade. The garbhagriha stands on base mouldings with jaali (checkered) windows and chaitya arches. It has a simple latina type shikhara (spire) with niches topped by udgama pediments (pediment with interconnected chaitya dormers) which look like miniature shikaras.

Protected under the Jaipur Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Shiva Temple at Charchoma Maliya is one of the oldest surviving temples in Rajasthan. It has undergone several modifications over time up until the 19th century CE. The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with a flat-roofed antarala (vestibule) belongs to the late Gupta period (around the 7th century CE), are the oldest surviving architectural features of the temple. One of the pillars (right) in the antarala bears a Sanskrit inscription written in Gupta Brahmi. Although weathered and impacting the legibility of the inscription, the twelve-line inscription attests to the historicity of the temple dating back to the late Gupta period. The temple complex includes architectural additions made during later periods to both the mulaprasada (main shrine) and the complex.

Although known as a Shiva Temple, the temple houses a Goddess sculpture in the garbhagriha, revered as Parvati or Adi Shakti. The mulaprasada also includes a four-pillared mandapa (pillared hall) with a raised platform, which features a chaturmukha (four-faced) linga at the centre. It is after this black stone linga that the temple is known as the Shiva Temple and draws pilgrims from all around the region. Shivaratri, in particular, is one of the occasions when the temple witnesses worshippers from the surrounding villages.

The module on the Charchoma Shiva Temple comprises an overview article, two image galleries, and architectural drawings. The overview article discusses the architecture of the temple. The first image gallery offers a visual walk-through of the temple complex, highlighting its architectural details. The second image gallery focuses on the Mahakal Temple, located in the Dhoti village, about 10 km from the Charchoma Shiva Temple. The module further includes site and elevation plans of the Charchoma Shiva Temple.