Neelkanth Mahadev Group of Temples

Alwar, Rajasthan

By Swapna Joshi

This is a view of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple seen from its southeastern corner. Also pictured here are the southern and eastern shrines of the temple as seen from the rear. The western side of the temple is its principal entrance, and the eastern shrine has a partially preserved and conserved shrine.
This is a view of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple seen from its southeastern corner. Also pictured here are the southern and eastern shrines of the temple as seen from the rear. The western side of the temple is its principal entrance, and the eastern shrine has a partially preserved and conserved shrine.

The Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Alwar district of Rajasthan is home to several temples that are more than 1000 years old. A magnificent collection of architectural designs spread over two kilometres, these temples are known as the Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples, named after one of its better-preserved temples from the complex. The region is known as Paranagar, the ancient capital of Rajorgarh or Rajorgadh, under the rule of a branch of the Pratihara dynasty. The temple complex consists of over a dozen predominantly Shaiva temples, with some dedicated to the Jain tradition. With the exceptions being the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the remnants of the Jain Naugaza Temple, most temples in this complex have only plinths and scattered architectural elements surviving. Additionally, the complex includes baolis (step wells) and tanks, with the Lachoro tank to the west being a unique medieval waterworks designed to supply water to the settlement.

This module focuses on the architectural remains of the Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples with special reference to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. A triple-shrine temple probably dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi, the temple is an excellent example of temple architecture prevalent during the 10th century CE. The overview article in this module provides insights into the architectural and sculptural details of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It also speaks about the remains of the Jain temple as well as those of the other unnamed temples. The architectural exuberance of Paranagar and its rich legacy is evident from the colossal temple remains. The numerous sculptures on the exterior and interior walls of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are worthy of discussion on their own. Hence, one of the essays in this module elaborates on the sculptural affluence of the temple group. Evident by the life-size image of Jain Tirthankara and temple remains, the ancient Rajorgarh region was home to Jain followers. Another essay in this module looks at the nature and spread of Jainism in this region and provides a broad overview of the Jain belief system during the era in which the temple structure was built. The module also has an image gallery and architectural drawings of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Though most temples are in ruins, what remains in Sariska Tiger Reserve are testimonials of the region’s rich past. The temples are built in an amalgamation style that borrows from the Maha-Maru, Maha-Gurjara, and Maru-Gurjara styles of temple architecture. Despite being one of the lesser-known temple complexes in Rajasthan, the presence of the Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples helps explain the political history and artistic transmissions of the Alwar region of Rajasthan.