2409:4043:2392:BAC0:6CEC:6292:5E82:123 at 10:00, 6 June 2021

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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Baoooli Temples Complex
| image = Baroli temple.jpg

| alt =
| caption = Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple, Baroli Temples Complex
| map_type = India Rajasthan
| map_caption = Location within Rajasthan

| coordinates = {{coord|24|57|29|N|75|35|37|E|type:landmark_region:IN_scale:5000|display=inline,title}}
| other_names =
| proper_name =

| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Rajasthan]]
| district = [[Rawatbhata]] town, [[Chittorgarh district]]
| locale = [[Baroli]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Shiva]]
| festivals=
| architecture = [[Gurjara-Pratihara]]
| inscriptions =
| year_completed = 10th century
| website =
}}

The '''Baroli Temples Complex''', also known as the '''Badoli temples''', is located in [[Baroli]] village in [[Rawatbhata]] town in [[Chittorgarh district]] of [[Rajasthan, India]]. The complex of eight temples is situated within a walled enclosure; an additional temple is about {{convert|1|km}} away. They are built in the [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty|Gurjara Pratihara]] style of temple architecture dated to the tenth century A.D.<ref name=Ghatesh>{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Ghateshwar%20temple.html|title= Ghateshwar Temple|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref><ref name=travel>{{Cite news|url=http://traveller.outlookindia.com/destinationlink.aspx?id=504&destinationid=208|title=Things To See and Do|work=Badoli (45 km SW)|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher=OutlookIndia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202175502/http://traveller.outlookindia.com/destinationlink.aspx?id=504&destinationid=208|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> All nine temples are under the control of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] for conservation and protection.<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|title=Magnificent Shiva shrines at Baroli, Bijoliyan and Menal could have been a Meluha trilogy|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-05/news/31294015_1_ancient-temples-shrines-trilogy|accessdate=6 April 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> A well known art critic{{who|date=August 2016}} characterised "the creations of Badoli as the most perfect of their age that he had encountered within that part of the country and, in their own peculiar style."<ref name="Vyāsa2004">{{cite book|author=Rājaśekhara Vyāsa|title=Architectural Glories of Mewar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o9rVAAAAMAAJ|page =xcv|accessdate=28 March 2013|year=2004|publisher=Raj Book Enterprises|isbn=978-81-901436-9-1}}</ref>

==Location==
[[File:Baroli Temple Complex2.jpg|left|thumb|Sringar Chauri of the 10th-century Ghateshwara Mahadeva Temple]]
The Baroli Temples Complex is located in [[Baroli]] village in [[Rawatbhata]] town in [[Chittorgarh district]] in Rajasthan, India. The complex is located close to the rocky bank of the [[Chambal River]], {{Convert|45|km}} south east of [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], on the outer limits of Rawatbhata town. Set around a natural fountain, they are positioned in two zones in the midst of a forest containing [[Ficus religiosa|peepal]], [[Neolamarckia cadamba|kadamba]], [[mango]], and [[Jambul|jamun]] trees.<ref name=travel/><ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com"/><ref name="BrownThomas2008">{{cite book|author1=Lindsay Brown|author2=Amelia Thomas|title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra. Ediz. inglese|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&pg=PA232|accessdate=10 March 2013|year=2008|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-690-8|pages=232–}}</ref>

==History==
Though the history of the Baroli Temples is not very clear,<ref name="Tripathi1975">{{cite book|author=L. K. Tripathi|title=The Temples of Baroli|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGhQAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=28 March 2013|year=1975|publisher=Amitābha Prakāśana}}</ref> they are reported to have been built during the [[Gurjara-Pratihara|Gurjara-Pratihara Empire]] in the 10th–11th centuries.<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com"/> They are one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan.<ref name=Ghatesh/><ref name="BrownThomas2008"/> A carved stone image of the god [[Nataraja]] was stolen from the Baroli temple complex in 1998. It has been traced to a private collector in London. However, the statue has now been recovered.<ref name>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/natesa-of-rajasthan-temple-returns-to-india/article32225514.ece|title=Natesa sandidol returns to India}}</ref>
<ref name>{{Cite web|url=http://www.intach.org/pdf/Virasat-Oct-Dec12.pdf|title=A Panorama of Indian CultureHeritage Week 19th – 25th November 2012|page= 20|accessdate=29 March 2013|publisher=The Indian National Trust For Art And Cultural Heritage}}</ref>

==Features==
[[File:Boroli Temple Complex5.jpg|left|thumb|A typical architectural feature in the temples of the complex]]
The 10th-century Baroli Temples are of great architectural interest, consisting of temple structures built in the Gurjara-Pratihara architectural style, with exquisitely carved stonework. They are in differing stages of upkeep, with some in a semi-ruined state.<ref name=Ghatesh/>

There are 8 major temples in Baroli and a ninth about one kilometre away. Four temples are dedicated to [[Shiva]] (including Ghateshwara Mahadeva Temple), two to [[Durga]] and one each to Shiva-Trimurti, [[Vishnu]] and [[Ganesha]].<ref name=Ghatesh/>

The [[Nataraja]] (Natesha) images carved in these temples are similar to those seen at Upramala. The sculpture has 16 arms and its headdress is matted. There is a large [[diadem]] carved at the centre top of the skull, which is "garnished with beaded swags." The facial features are very fine, with high arched brows and full mouth.<ref name="AthertonPackert1997">{{cite book|author1=Cynthia Packert Atherton |title=The Sculpture of Early Medieval Rajasthan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZkxXK5wFob4C&pg=PA106|series=Studies in Asian art and archaeology |volume=21 |year=1997|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-10789-2|pages=106–}}</ref>

==Temples==

===Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple===
[[File:Baroli Temple Complex1.jpg|right|thumb|Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple]]
The [[Ghateshwar Temple|Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple]] is the most prominent and the largest in the complex.<ref name="BrownThomas2008"/> The main temple structure comprises the sanctum ([[garbhagriha]]) and the ''mukhamandapa'', a front [[mandapa]] or hall.<ref name=Ghatesh/> Dated to the early 10th century, it is an intact structure that has the god Shiva depicted in the form of five [[linga]]s. One linga appears like an inverted ''ghata'' or pot, and hence the name was given to the temple of "Ghateshwara" (pot-Lord), while "Mahadeva" is a term for Shiva. The sanctum has a ceiling in the form of a large blossoming [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotus]]. The temple has a finely carved [[shikara]](pinnacle) above the sanctum.<ref name=Ghatesh/><ref name="BrownThomas2008"/> The superstructure has been described as a ''latina'' and the pinnacle is a ''phamsana''. The entire superstructure is supported by six pillars and two [[pilasters]]. The pilasters, which are part of the sanctum wall, project from the wallby two-thirds of its width, and have niches encased with sculptures.<ref name="Kuiper2010">{{cite book|author=Kathleen Kuiper|title=The Culture of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c8PJFLeURhsC&pg=PA312|accessdate=28 March 2013|date=15 August 2010|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-61530-149-2|page=312}}</ref>

The ''mukhamandapa'' serves as a pillared entrance that leads to the sanctum. Shiva's mount [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] (the bull) is installed between the ''mukhamandapa'' and the sanctum. The niches inside the temple are decorated with elegantly carved images of [[Andhakantaka]] (shiva slaying the demon [[Andhaka]]), [[Nataraja]] (Shiva as the Lord of dance) and the goddess [[Chamunda]]; similar images are also carved on the [[lintel]] above the entrance door. The ''mukhamandapa'' also has many carved images of semi-clad, dancing ''[[apsara]]''s (heavenly nymphs). The ceiling is decorated with concentric forms with coiffured cusps.<ref name="Ghatesh"/>

The ''Sringar Chauri'' or ''rangamandapa'' (the hall of dance) is a later addition to the temple, situated just outside it. The large pillared hall is built over a raised platform called a ''[[pitha]]'', which has decorative carvings. The [[transepts]] of the hall have co-axial entrances, both on the east and the west, ensconced in ''kakshasana'' [[balustrades]]. The four central pillars supporting the hall are very well ornamented. The images include the river goddesses [[Ganga]] and [[Yamuna]] as ''[[dwarapalas]]'' (door-keepers), the trinity images of [[Brahma]]-Vishnu-Shiva, and several depictions of Shiva in his different incarnations. Twenty pillars around the perimeter of the hall are simple in design.<ref name= Sringar>{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Sringar%20Chauri.html|title = Sringar Chauri|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref>

There is a sacred tank next to the temple which has a tiered approach leading to the edge of the water.<ref name=Ghatesh/>

===Ganesha temple===
[[File:GANESH TEMPLE BADOLI,RAWATBHATA..JPG|right|thumb|Temple of [[Ganesha]]]]
Dedicated to [[Ganesha]], the elephant-headed god of wisdom, this temple faces east. While the main temple structure is built of stones, the superstructure of the ''shikara'' is brick. Dated to the 10th century, the shrine has a projecting vestibule and an ''atiratha'' sanctum. The door is without any decorations. The arms and feet of the image of Ganesha have been cut off, possibly by invading Islamic armies.<ref name =Ganesh >{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Ganesh%20temple.html#|title = Ganesh Temple|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref>

===Shiva temple in the temple tank===
[[File:Boroli Temple Complex7.jpg|thumb|left|Shiva temple in the tank]]
This Shiva temple, also dated to the 10th century, has a sanctum with the divine linga in the middle of the sacred tank. Built in the ''[[Pancharatha]]'' style, it faces east. The portico in front of the sanctum is a single bay built with pillars.<ref name =Shiv>{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Shiv%20temple%20and%20kund.html|title = Shiv Temple and Kund|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref>

===Vamanavatar temple===
The 10th-century Vamanavatar temple is a small shrine dedicated to a four-armed image of [[Vamana]], the fifth [[avatar]] of the god Vishnu. The sanctum is covered with a flat slab as a ceiling. While a vestibule and an entrance are extant, the pinnacle is missing.<ref name=Ghatesh/><ref name= Vamana>{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Vamanavtar%20(Narad)%20temple.html|title = Vamanavtar Temple|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref>

===Trimurti temple===
[[File:Baroli Temple Complex4.jpg|right|thumb|Defaced Trimurti Shiva]]
The Trimurti temple, dated to the 10th century, is partially damaged. It is situated in the south east of the temple complex. The extant structures, in the Gujara-Pratihara style of architecture, consist of a ''pancharatha''-style sanctum topped with an elegant ''shikhara'' in [[Nagara architecture|Nagara]] architectural style, and also a vestibule. However, the ''mukhamandapa'' has been damaged. The lintel of the entrance of the sanctum has Nataraja as the ''lalatabimba'' (central protective image). The sanctum is deified with a Trimurti-Shiva (triple headed Shiva) or Mahesha-murti, which is defaced.<ref name="BrownThomas2008"/><ref name= Trimurti >{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.nic.in/Trimurti%20temple.html|title = Trimurti Temple|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref>

===Ashtamata temple===
The [[Matrika|Ashtamata]] temple, also known as the Mahishamardini temple, is located to the south of the Ghatesvara Mahadeva temple. The east-facing shrine was also built in the 10th century in the Pratihara architectural style. The temple, built in stone, consists of the sanctum, ''[[antarala]]'' (secondary chamber) and a ''mukhamandapa''. The ''Pancharatha''-style sanctum is topped by the ten-tiered shikhara, built in the Nagara style, separated by ''bhumi-amalakas'', ''[[amalaka]]''s (crowns) separating the tiers (''bhumi''). The entrance door to the sanctum has three panels (''tri-sakha''). A dancing [[Matrika|Maheshvari]] is carved on the lintel as the ''Lalatabimba''. A carved [[Parvati]] image occupies the central niche in the ''sukanasa'' (portion of the pinnacle over the portico). These features of the temple support the conjecture that the temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga (Mahishamardini).<ref name=Ghatesh/><ref name= Trimurti/>

===Sheshashyan temple===
The Sheshashyan temple is a stone temple which is damaged. It was built in the 10th century in the Parihara style of architecture. Its existing feature consists of a sanctum in rectangular plan with projecting vestibule. The sanctum was probably topped by a ''Valabhi'' ([[wagon vault]]), now missing. The entrance to the sanctum does not have any decorations.<ref name=Shesha>{{Cite web|url=http://asijaipurcircle.com/sheshashyan_temp_chittaurgarh.php|title=Sheshashyan Temple, Badoli|accessdate=27 March 2013|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731092513/http://asijaipurcircle.com/sheshashyan_temp_chittaurgarh.php|archive-date=31 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{commons category|Baroli Temple Complex}}
*{{cite book|author1=Lindsay Brown|author2=Amelia Thomas|title=Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb68kC&pg=PA232|accessdate=27 March 2013|year=2008|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-690-8|pages=232–}}

[[Category:Temples in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Chittorgarh district]]

Baroli Temples - Revision history

2409:4043:2392:BAC0:6CEC:6292:5E82:123 at 10:00, 6 June 2021