Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Visual walkthrough of the Shiva temple in ancient Rajorgarh

By Swapna Joshi

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, within the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, nestled amidst the lush greenery and rugged terrain of the Sariska forest. It holds significant religious importance for Hindus and attracts devotees and tourists alike. The temple is more than a thousand years old and has a tranquil ambience. Its layout includes a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an antarala (vestibule or antechamber), and a mandapa (pillared hall). Intricate carvings adorn its spire. Constructed primarily with stone, the temple's symbolic architecture reflects Hindu cosmology and mythology, making it a significant spiritual and cultural site. The temple forms part of a huge complex of several temples spread across approximately two kilometres, datable from the 8th through the 10th centuries CE. The Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples, named after this better-preserved shrine, consists of over a dozen structures, primarily dedicated to Shaivism, although some also adhere to the Jain tradition. Apart from the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the remnants of the Jain Naugaza Temple, only the foundations and scattered architectural elements of other temples remain today. The complex also includes step wells (baolis) and tanks for water storage. To the west of this temple cluster, the Lachoro tank, a unique example of mediaeval hydraulic engineering, supplies water to the settlement. The fortified nature of the entire complex is evident from the remnants of fortification walls interspersed with gateways facing different directions.

Inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the dense vegetation surrounds the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The sandstone temple dominates the verdant plains.
Inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the dense vegetation surrounds the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The sandstone temple dominates the verdant plains.
This is the eastern elevation of the Nilkantha Mahadev Temple. The central shrine is the best preserved of all shrines in the tri-kuta (triple-shrine) temple. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple has renovated the Latina nagara (mono-spired) variety of shikhara atop the central shrine.
This is the eastern elevation of the Nilkantha Mahadev Temple. The central shrine is the best preserved of all shrines in the tri-kuta (triple-shrine) temple. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple has renovated the Latina nagara (mono-spired) variety of shikhara atop the central shrine.
This is a distant view of the west-facing elevation of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has installed a fencing boundary, encircling the tri-kuta (triple shrine) temple with trees and agricultural fields. There are scattered architectural elements in the foreground, likely belonging to the Neelkanth Temple or other temples in the group.
This is a distant view of the west-facing elevation of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has installed a fencing boundary, encircling the tri-kuta (triple shrine) temple with trees and agricultural fields. There are scattered architectural elements in the foreground, likely belonging to the Neelkanth Temple or other temples in the group.
The picture shows the west-facing entrance of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The temple stands on a plinth. It is accessed through a gate built into a later-added boundary wall.
The picture shows the west-facing entrance of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The temple stands on a plinth. It is accessed through a gate built into a later-added boundary wall.
The west-facing entrance of the temple has a mukhamandapa (front porch) with ornate pillars. The pillars, octagonal in section, feature circular rings of intricate designs on their shafts, while sculptures adorn the base. A different stone than the main temple forms the pillars.
The west-facing entrance of the temple has a mukhamandapa (front porch) with ornate pillars. The pillars, octagonal in section, feature circular rings of intricate designs on their shafts, while sculptures adorn the base. A different stone than the main temple forms the pillars.
A closer view of the sculptures on the base of the pillar of the mukhamandapa (front porch). These sculptures are primarily made of surasundaris (celestial damsels). The base of the pillar has mouldings that resemble the kumbha (pot), kalasha (a pitcher), and kapotali (cyma recta) mouldings in a temple plinth.
A closer view of the sculptures on the base of the pillar of the mukhamandapa (front porch). These sculptures are primarily made of surasundaris (celestial damsels). The base of the pillar has mouldings that resemble the kumbha (pot), kalasha (a pitcher), and kapotali (cyma recta) mouldings in a temple plinth.
This is the capital of the octagonal shaft pillars, which support the mukhamandapa (front porch) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The circular shaft ends in a four-sided bracket with bharavahaka (load bearer) sculptures. Just below the capital are broken elephant heads, which must have supported a torana (arched gateway).
This is the capital of the octagonal shaft pillars, which support the mukhamandapa (front porch) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The circular shaft ends in a four-sided bracket with bharavahaka (load bearer) sculptures. Just below the capital are broken elephant heads, which must have supported a torana (arched gateway).
Pictured here is a view of the interior of the mandapa (pillared hall) of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as seen from the northwestern corner of the mandapa. The tri-kuta (triple-shrine) temple has a shared mandapa, which is in front of all three shrines. The mandapa is centered on four pillars. The mandapa has haphazardly covered all its exterior walls.
Pictured here is a view of the interior of the mandapa (pillared hall) of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as seen from the northwestern corner of the mandapa. The tri-kuta (triple-shrine) temple has a shared mandapa, which is in front of all three shrines. The mandapa is centered on four pillars. The mandapa has haphazardly covered all its exterior walls.
This is a view of the entrance of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as seen from the interior of the temple. The west-facing entrance guides visitors into a mandapa, a pillared hall that connects to three shrines.
This is a view of the entrance of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as seen from the interior of the temple. The west-facing entrance guides visitors into a mandapa, a pillared hall that connects to three shrines.
This is a closer view of the pillar in the central chatuski (a slightly elevated platform with four pillars) of the mandapa (pillared hall) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This pillar typology is similar to the pillars of the mukhamandapa (front porch). The pillar is characterized by octagonal shafts with foliage ornamentation, maladharas (garland bearers), and sculptures on all sides of the shafts are characteristics of the pillar. This is one of the most ornate varieties of pillars in the entire Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples.
This is a closer view of the pillar in the central chatuski (a slightly elevated platform with four pillars) of the mandapa (pillared hall) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. This pillar typology is similar to the pillars of the mukhamandapa (front porch). The pillar is characterized by octagonal shafts with foliage ornamentation, maladharas (garland bearers), and sculptures on all sides of the shafts are characteristics of the pillar. This is one of the most ornate varieties of pillars in the entire Neelkanth Mahadev group of temples.
The central pillars of the mandapa (pillared hall) in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple have depictions of surasundaris (celestial damsels) as female bracket figures above the pillar capitals. These figures are in all four corners of the ceiling. The female figures, carved in a different stone, contrast with the pillars, lintels, and walls of the temple interiors.
The central pillars of the mandapa (pillared hall) in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple have depictions of surasundaris (celestial damsels) as female bracket figures above the pillar capitals. These figures are in all four corners of the ceiling. The female figures, carved in a different stone, contrast with the pillars, lintels, and walls of the temple interiors.
Seen here are the details of the pillar capital, the lintel above the pillar, and the ceiling base in the mandapa (pillared hall) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. A four-sided bracket tops the large pot-shaped moulding of the pillar. Above these brackets, there are bharavahaka (load bearers) figures and small square sculptural panels. The frame structure's lintel beams feature friezes depicting fighting scenes and deity panels.
Seen here are the details of the pillar capital, the lintel above the pillar, and the ceiling base in the mandapa (pillared hall) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. A four-sided bracket tops the large pot-shaped moulding of the pillar. Above these brackets, there are bharavahaka (load bearers) figures and small square sculptural panels. The frame structure's lintel beams feature friezes depicting fighting scenes and deity panels.
This is a view of the entrance to the southern shrine, which is one of the three shrines in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. An ornate dvarashakha (door jambs) adorns the entrance. The passage's ceiling, which connects to the shrine, is a flat ceiling with a lotus medallion. It depicts Shiva and Parvati on the latatabimba (lintel) of the dvarashakaha. The pilasters at the entrance of the passage to the shrine are relatively simple, compared to the central pillars of the mandapa (pillared hall).
This is a view of the entrance to the southern shrine, which is one of the three shrines in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. An ornate dvarashakha (door jambs) adorns the entrance. The passage's ceiling, which connects to the shrine, is a flat ceiling with a lotus medallion. It depicts Shiva and Parvati on the latatabimba (lintel) of the dvarashakaha. The pilasters at the entrance of the passage to the shrine are relatively simple, compared to the central pillars of the mandapa (pillared hall).
This is a view of the entrance to the northern shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Both the north and south shrines have identical dvarashakhas (door jambs), except for the deity couple above the lintel beam supported on the shrine's pillars. The shrine depicts Vishnu Lakshmi seated on Garuda. Deep niches, similar to those on the exterior walls of temples, adorn the lintel containing the Vishnu Lakshmi sculpture.
This is a view of the entrance to the northern shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Both the north and south shrines have identical dvarashakhas (door jambs), except for the deity couple above the lintel beam supported on the shrine's pillars. The shrine depicts Vishnu Lakshmi seated on Garuda. Deep niches, similar to those on the exterior walls of temples, adorn the lintel containing the Vishnu Lakshmi sculpture.
This is the flat square ceiling in the aisles of the mandapa (pillared hall). The ceiling features a large lotus medallion, encircled by floral patterns. The beams below the flat ceiling have friezes with a variety of human figures.
This is the flat square ceiling in the aisles of the mandapa (pillared hall). The ceiling features a large lotus medallion, encircled by floral patterns. The beams below the flat ceiling have friezes with a variety of human figures.
There are sculptures in deep niches just below the flat ceilings of the mandapa's aisles (pillared hall). The sculpture depicts Shiva and Parvati on Nandi, with the sculpture of Parvati shattered. Two attendants flank the main sculpture. There is a second niche beyond the attendants, which has a gavaksha (dormer window) motif.
There are sculptures in deep niches just below the flat ceilings of the mandapa's aisles (pillared hall). The sculpture depicts Shiva and Parvati on Nandi, with the sculpture of Parvati shattered. Two attendants flank the main sculpture. There is a second niche beyond the attendants, which has a gavaksha (dormer window) motif.
The dvarashakha (door jamb) of the central garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is ornate. Seen here are details of the antarala (vestibule or antechamber) pilasters and the right side of the dvarashakha, which has one main shakha (vertical band) with deities on it. The pilasters of the antarala have on their capitals bearded bharavahakas (load bearers).
The dvarashakha (door jamb) of the central garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is ornate. Seen here are details of the antarala (vestibule or antechamber) pilasters and the right side of the dvarashakha, which has one main shakha (vertical band) with deities on it. The pilasters of the antarala have on their capitals bearded bharavahakas (load bearers).
The mulaprasada (main shrine) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple features a lintel of the dvarashakha (door jamb). This lintel has five rathikas (small niches) with depictions of Shiva at the centre, flanked by Ganesha on the right and goddess on the left. The rathikas in the furthest corners are not easily accessible. Since the central rathika of the lintel has a Shiva image, the lalatabimba (keystone of the lintel) has an image of Nandi.
The mulaprasada (main shrine) of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple features a lintel of the dvarashakha (door jamb). This lintel has five rathikas (small niches) with depictions of Shiva at the centre, flanked by Ganesha on the right and goddess on the left. The rathikas in the furthest corners are not easily accessible. Since the central rathika of the lintel has a Shiva image, the lalatabimba (keystone of the lintel) has an image of Nandi.
Inside the central garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a large Shiva linga (aniconic representation of Shiva). It is on a high pedestal. The temple is actively used for worship. The Shivalinga is made up of polished stone.
Inside the central garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a large Shiva linga (aniconic representation of Shiva). It is on a high pedestal. The temple is actively used for worship. The Shivalinga is made up of polished stone.
This is the exterior of the southern shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev triple-shrine temple. The shrine's walls have fallen, leaving only the plinth up to the level of the kumbha (pot) moulding in situ. Only a few traces of the kalasha (pitcher) moulding above the kumbha have survived. The faces of the kumbha moulding have depictions of various deities. The central kumbha, which corresponds to the main bhadra (central projection) of the temple, features Vishnu Lakshmi on Garuda.
This is the exterior of the southern shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev triple-shrine temple. The shrine's walls have fallen, leaving only the plinth up to the level of the kumbha (pot) moulding in situ. Only a few traces of the kalasha (pitcher) moulding above the kumbha have survived. The faces of the kumbha moulding have depictions of various deities. The central kumbha, which corresponds to the main bhadra (central projection) of the temple, features Vishnu Lakshmi on Garuda.
This is a view of the extant plinth of the southern shrine, as seen from the south-facing elevation of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The pattern of the kumbha (pot) is similar to other wall projections. The central kumbha, which corresponds to the temple's main bhadra (central projection), depicts Ganesha.
This is a view of the extant plinth of the southern shrine, as seen from the south-facing elevation of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The pattern of the kumbha (pot) is similar to other wall projections. The central kumbha, which corresponds to the temple's main bhadra (central projection), depicts Ganesha.
This is a view of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, seen from its southeastern corner. The temple's southern and eastern shrines, seen from the rear, are also pictured here. 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. The temple's southern and eastern shrines, seen from the rear, are also pictured here. The western side of the temple is its principal entrance, and the eastern shrine has a partially preserved and conserved shrine.
This is the view of the rear elevation of the southern shrine of the triple-shrine Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The exterior walls of this shrine have completely collapsed and were replaced at a later point with incongruously added wall portions. In rebuilding these walls, architectural members of the original temple have been repurposed haphazardly.
This is the view of the rear elevation of the southern shrine of the triple-shrine Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The exterior walls of this shrine have completely collapsed and were replaced at a later point with incongruously added wall portions. In rebuilding these walls, architectural members of the original temple have been repurposed haphazardly.
These are the remains of the mandapa (pillared hall) and the north shrine in the triple-shrine Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Like the south shrine, only the exterior walls' plinth has survived. The vedika (railing) portions visible in this picture clearly indicate that the mandapa (pillared hall) originally featured kakshasanas (seats).
These are the remains of the mandapa (pillared hall) and the north shrine in the triple-shrine Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Like the south shrine, only the exterior walls' plinth has survived. The vedika (railing) portions visible in this picture clearly indicate that the mandapa (pillared hall) originally featured kakshasanas (seats).
This is a view of the south-facing side of the shikhara (superstructure) central shrine at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Since the central shrine has undergone renovations, the plinth, wall, and spire portions are in place. In plan, the temple is a variety of Latina nagara (mono-spired) shikhara and pancharatha (five vertical offsets or projections on each side). The kumbha (pot) moulding at the plinth level has undergone renovation. They may have replastered the deities on the kumbha's faces during this process.
This is a view of the south-facing side of the shikhara (superstructure) central shrine at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Since the central shrine has undergone renovations, the plinth, wall, and spire portions are in place. In plan, the temple is a variety of Latina nagara (mono-spired) shikhara and pancharatha (five vertical offsets or projections on each side). The kumbha (pot) moulding at the plinth level has undergone renovation. They may have replastered the deities on the kumbha's faces during this process.
Seen here are the details of the Latina nagara (mono-spired) shikhara (superstructure) of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The structure consists of five vertical projections. The central band, or madhyalata, is flanked by pratilatas. These three bands are made up of a mesh of gavaksha (dormer window) motifs. The corner bands of the shikhara feature aedicules known as bhumikhandas, which again feature gavaksha designs on their surfaces. Flat ribbed discs separate these aedicules, which diminish in size. This shikhara suggests that the Latina nagara shikharas at the temple's other two shrines must have been similar.
Seen here are the details of the Latina nagara (mono-spired) shikhara (superstructure) of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The structure consists of five vertical projections. The central band, or madhyalata, is flanked by pratilatas. These three bands are made up of a mesh of gavaksha (dormer window) motifs. The corner bands of the shikhara feature aedicules known as bhumikhandas, which again feature gavaksha designs on their surfaces. Flat ribbed discs separate these aedicules, which diminish in size. This shikhara suggests that the Latina nagara shikharas at the temple's other two shrines must have been similar.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple's central shrine features a south-facing jangha (wall). Sculptures profusely adorn the jangha. The central bhadra (central projection) has a ferocious depiction of Shiva, and the intermediate and corner projections have ascetics, surasundaris (celestial damsels), and dikpalas (deities for cardinal directions). The recesses just flanking the central shrine have vyalas (composite mythical creatures).
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple's central shrine features a south-facing jangha (wall). Sculptures profusely adorn the jangha. The central bhadra (central projection) has a ferocious depiction of Shiva, and the intermediate and corner projections have ascetics, surasundaris (celestial damsels), and dikpalas (deities for cardinal directions). The recesses just flanking the central shrine have vyalas (composite mythical creatures).
This is the east-facing elevation of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The bhadra (central projection) image on the exterior wall facing east contains a unique composite image called the Harihararka (or Hariharapitamaharka), which is a depiction of Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya (and plausibly Brahma) incorporated into one sculpture. Sitting on a chariot of seven horses, the three-faced figure embodies the attributes of all its representative deities.
This is the east-facing elevation of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The bhadra (central projection) image on the exterior wall facing east contains a unique composite image called the Harihararka (or Hariharapitamaharka), which is a depiction of Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya (and plausibly Brahma) incorporated into one sculpture. Sitting on a chariot of seven horses, the three-faced figure embodies the attributes of all its representative deities.
This is the north-facing elevation of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The central bhadra (central projection) depicts Narasimha killing the demon Hiranyakashipu. The recesses have figures of vyala (composite mythical creatures) and mithuna/maithuna (amorous couples).
This is the north-facing elevation of the central shrine in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The central bhadra (central projection) depicts Narasimha killing the demon Hiranyakashipu. The recesses have figures of vyala (composite mythical creatures) and mithuna/maithuna (amorous couples).
This is the ancillary shrine located northeast of the main Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is a single-shrine temple in a very dilapidated state. Only a few of its plinth mouldings have survived. The temple's original plan was pancharatha (five vertical offsets or projections on each side), but the structure of the mandapa (pillared hall) has fallen.
This is the ancillary shrine located northeast of the main Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is a single-shrine temple in a very dilapidated state. Only a few of its plinth mouldings have survived. The temple's original plan was pancharatha (five vertical offsets or projections on each side), but the structure of the mandapa (pillared hall) has fallen.
The temple's subsidiary shrine faces west. A few remnants of the temple's interior threshold have survived.
The temple's subsidiary shrine faces west. A few remnants of the temple's interior threshold have survived.
Inside the boundary wall of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple premises, there is a row of broken mouldings with diamond designs. These sections must have been part of the temple's original plinth.
Inside the boundary wall of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple premises, there is a row of broken mouldings with diamond designs. These sections must have been part of the temple's original plinth.
The area surrounding the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple contains the remains of pilasters. The original position is not known, but these are stylistically similar to the interior of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The pillar shaft has a ghatapallava (pot with foliage) motif.
The area surrounding the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple contains the remains of pilasters. The original position is not known, but these are stylistically similar to the interior of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The pillar shaft has a ghatapallava (pot with foliage) motif.
The remains of several sculptures are kept in a makeshift storehouse to the south of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. These have wall sculptures, lintels, pillar remnants, and other architectural elements. An image of Yogeshwar Vishnu, or Vishnu, sitting in the padmasana (lotus pedestal) yoga posture is noteworthy among these loose fragments.
The remains of several sculptures are kept in a makeshift storehouse to the south of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. These have wall sculptures, lintels, pillar remnants, and other architectural elements. An image of Yogeshwar Vishnu, or Vishnu, sitting in the padmasana (lotus pedestal) yoga posture is noteworthy among these loose fragments.
A fragment of a lintel was discovered to the south of the main Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The lintel is decorated with friezes depicting deities.
A fragment of a lintel was discovered to the south of the main Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The lintel is decorated with friezes depicting deities.
This is the on-site storehouse that houses several architectural elements and sculptural fragments found in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as well as the entire temple complex. These fragments are important to understand the original fabric of the temple structure.
This is the on-site storehouse that houses several architectural elements and sculptural fragments found in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple as well as the entire temple complex. These fragments are important to understand the original fabric of the temple structure.
A loose and damaged sculpture of Nandi was found in the vicinity of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Given the dedication of the central shrine in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to Shiva, the presence of this Nandi sculpture is noteworthy. Though the original location of this sculpture is unknown, it is believed to have been inside the temple's mandapa (pillared hall).
A loose and damaged sculpture of Nandi was found in the vicinity of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Given the dedication of the central shrine in Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to Shiva, the presence of this Nandi sculpture is noteworthy. Though the original location of this sculpture is unknown, it is believed to have been inside the temple's mandapa (pillared hall).
On the eastern side of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, there is a partially broken Shiva linga, an iconic representation of Shiva. This could be the original object of worship in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple's central shrine, as the one inside the temple is a new linga.
On the eastern side of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, there is a partially broken Shiva linga, an iconic representation of Shiva. This could be the original object of worship in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple's central shrine, as the one inside the temple is a new linga.