Harshnath Temple

Harshnath Temple (Sanskrit: हर्षनाथ् Harṣanātha) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is situated in the Sikar district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 14 km from district headquarters Sikar.^[1]

Harshnath Temple
हर्षनाथ्
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Sikar
Deity	Shiva
Location
Location	Harshnath
State	Rajasthan
Country	India
Location of Harshnath temple in Rajasthan Show map of Rajasthan Harshnath Temple (India) Show map of India
Geographic coordinates	27.499914°N 75.172443°E / 27.499914; 75.172443
Elevation	900 m (2,953 ft)

History

This Shiva temple, according to an inscription dated 973 CE, was built by the Shiv ascetic Bhavarakta, during the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja I. It is surrounded by various shrines which lie in ruins.^[2]

In 1718, Shiv Singh constructed a new temple adjacent to the old temple using the ruins of the old temple.^{[citation needed]}

Exactly same type of temple also situated at Harsh Village, Bilara Harsh Deval Temple, Dist Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Harsh Deval Temple at Bilara was also built in 10th century.

Architecture

The temple and its surrounding shrines are now in ruins. The main temple faces east. Its pillars are intricately carved. On the inside west wall is carved a figure of standing Parvati [labelled Vikata] in panchagnitap along with her female attendants.^[2]

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  Outer view
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  Temple View from Sunset Point
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  Destroyed section
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  Sculptures
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  Broken pieces
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  Sculptures
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  Sculptures
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  Sculptures
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  Sculptures
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  Sculptures
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  Nandi sculpture
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  Pillar
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  Pillar
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  Pillar
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  Information board
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  Information board
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  View from top
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  View from top

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  Sculpture of a musician playing an eka-tantri vina.
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  Sculpture of musicians playing eka-tantri vina, flute and drum
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  Musicians, an attendant ace a seated figure, possibly a nobleman
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  Sculpture showing musicians and a couple

See also

• Harshat Mata Temple constructed during the Chahamana period