Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Origin of the Name - This Shiva Temple is the temple constructed for the "Ishwar of Megha" which truly implies the God of the Rain.

Megheswar temple is architecturally very beautiful. It has Vimana of rekha order and the Jagamohana of Pidha order. It is Sapta ratha on plan. The entrance of the temple complex has a sculpted arch. The temple entrance has two big attractive Naga stambhas. In addition, the relief images of tiny Dwarapalas along with the rivers Ganga and Yamuna are also found at the door jamb. The top portion has Navagraha panel and Lakshmi below that. It is a living temple enshrining Shiva Linga named Megheswar. A later period small sized Nandi is facing towards the main shrine. The vimana as well as the exterior walls are full of carvings of dancing ladies, animals such as lions, elephants and Yalis, birds, decorations and Shiva in different postures. There are three Parsvadevtas (niche idols) which are big in size and very attractive. The niche idols found are Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya. Ganesha idol appears not to be very old. Kartikeya is found with a peacock and his wife, Parvati has two female attendants on her either sides as well as lions. There is a koneru placed infort of the temple. The vimana as well as the exterior walls are full of carvings of dancing ladies, animals such as lions, elephants and yalis, birds, decorations and Shiva in different postures. According to an inscription on the premises, the Megheswar along with the water tank near it, came into existence at the instance of Svapnesvara, brother-in-law of the Ganga King Rajaraja during the reign of the latter's brother Anangabhima (1192-95 A.D.).