CHANDRESAL SHIV TEMPLE
Author: Prahlad Chaursiya
ARCHITECTURE: it is built in Parmar-Nagar style, no mortar (mud solution), lime and cement etc. were used to join the stones. The entire Matha was built by interlocking stones. The main Shiva temple of Chandrasal Matha, which has a series of four temples, was built in a rare Shodash Paksha Yojana construction style. In this style based on the interlocking system, the order (numbering) of which stone was placed where is very important. During the renovation, the Archaeological Department demolished the Sabha Mandap and piled it up. This messed up their numbering. The Shodash style rests on 16 angles. Every angle of this construction is established at 22.5 degrees and the center of the temple is established only when all the angles meet.
Temple: There are four temples in the Matha surrounded by high walls. The Matha is built on a high hillock where one has to climb 32 steps to reach. On entering, a big complex has a Shiva temple made of brown stones on the left and in the middle.
The door of the sanctum sanctorum is of the Trishakha type, on top of it, there are four-faced Shiva idols in Lalitasana and on both sides four-faced Brahma and Vishnu idols have been made. There were 30 dev and 10 Dikpal idols on the outer walls of the temple, of which only a few are visible now. Most of the idols have disappeared, some are lying nearby. The temple behind the main temple has become dilapidated.
History: The villagers say that Naga sadhus used to live here. They never came out of the temple, a cave went straight to the river and from there they used to go back to the temple after taking bath etc. The villagers say that two sadhus took samadhi here alive, while the samadhi of many other Naga sadhus can still be seen here.
Attraction: One can also enjoy the view of the Chandloi river flowing in front of the monastery and can also enjoy watching the sunbathing and the crocodiles swimming in the water. Pucca ghats have been made on the river bank for bathing. Every year a fair is organized here on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. Devotees earn merit by taking bath and worshipping Lord Shiva.
Ticket Price – None
Time Spent – 0-1 Hours
Nearest Railway Station – Kota Junction
Address – Chadreshal,notana Baran road, kota ,rajasthan.324002
Timings – 6am to 6pm