Famous Temples in India

Architecture

As a result of scientific clearance at the site, three stone plinths of a prominent ancient temple have come to light along with several beautiful sculptural and architectural remnants. The presence of these three plinths indicates that the temple was built in the 'Panchayatan' style of temple architecture. Panchayatan means a group of five temples with a main shrine in the center and four sub-shrines at each cardinal direction. The architectural remains included Chaitya windows, Bhadramukha, miniature turrets, the scouting figures on the brackets of pillars, etc. indicate that the temple might have been built in the North Indian style of temple architecture. Some of the sculptures in the remnants carry a striking resemblance to those found at Khajuraho. The deities are related to the Shiva cult leading to the presumption that the temple was dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The Interior of the temple possibly remained simple and striking in contrast to the profuse carving and decoration on the exterior.

The outer walls of the temple were decorated with the sculptures of the Gods and Goddesses. A large number of sculptures depicting Shiva and Parvati, Agni, Varuna, Surya, Vishnu, Ganesha, Kartikeya were also found on this site. The other decorative patterns included social performances, floral designs, animal motifs, musicians and erotic scenes, etc. A few notable stone inscriptions have also been found at this site linking it with the name of Raja Rama Deva, possibly a local king of repute, who patronized this temple. Alexander Cunningham, during his explorations in 1878-79, found in 27 line inscription of 10th century A.D mentioning Panchapura from which modern name Pinjore is derived. The mention of Panchpura in the Handi stone inscriptions (1167 A.D) also seem to refer to this place.