About Temple

An ancient temple with distinctive architecture and sculptures, which requires preservation to protect its original beauty and artifacts for future generations

Time Period

c. 14th-15th century

Patron

Bahamani

Deity

Bhairavnath

Location

Kalas

Apart from  the Haraṇeśvara temple in Kalas village, Bhairavanātha temple (18.172389, 74.790072) is another temple which is well-maintained and still in its original form dating from the 15th century. This temple’s architecture is unique. The entrance to the sabhāmaṇḍapa is from the east and the garbhagṛha is south-facing.

Bhairavanātha temple.

Bhairavanātha temple.

Architecture: The Bhairavanātha temple features a kakṣāsana portion measuring 126 cm in length and 564 cm in width, adjacent to the sabhāmaṇḍapa. This kakṣāsana has two ardhastambhas and appears to have once had a back wall. Access to the sabhāmaṇḍapa is provided through an 84 cm passage located in the middle of this facade.Measuring 555 x 555 cm, the sabhāmaṇḍapa is supported by four stambhas and ten ardhastambhas. These pillars are of a simple design, with nāgabandhas visible on the stambhaśīrṣas. Within the maṇḍapa, a raṅgaśiḷā of dimensions 300 x 300 cm can be found. The vitānas in this section are also of a simple type.

The garbhagṛha of the temple is 228 cm long and 240 cm wide. It houses sculptures of Bhairava and Cāmunḍā set on a high pedestal. Although these sculptures have recently been treated with vajralepa, its excessive and improper application has marred the original beauty of the images. In front of these sculptures, a dual śivaliṅga is placed. The temple's exterior is unadorned, lacking any carvings. The brick śikhara above the garbhagṛha is particularly noteworthy, especially when seen in conjunction with a cluster of smaller śikharas near the main one, creating an aesthetically pleasing ensemble.

Façade of the temple.

Facade of the temple.

Sculptures of Bhairava and Cāmunḍā.

Sculptures of Bhairava and Cāmunḍā in the garbhagṛha

A dual śivaliṅga

A dual śivaliṅga

Exterior of the temple.

Exterior of the temple.

śikhara of the temple.

śikhara of the temple.

Ancient Sculptures: Some ancient sculptures are kept in the sabhāmaṇḍapa of the temple. Some of them are neat and beautiful. These include Cāmunḍā, Bhairavī, Nāyikā (or Surasundarī), a fragmentary head of a woman, three ancient śivaliṅgas, a vīragaḷa, the wooden śikhara of a temple, and four sculptures of Bhairava. The sculpture of Cāmunḍā is complete and very beautiful. The height of this image is 112 cm and the width is 50 cm. The goddess holds a pellet drum, dagger, triśuḷa and skull in her hands. Also, she has worn various ornaments. The height of the Bhairava sculpture is 100 cm and the width is 56 cm. He has a pellet drum and triśuḷa in his upper hands. The front (lower) two arms are mutilated.

The sculpture of Cāmunḍā

The sculpture of Cāmunḍā

A sculptures of Bhairava.

A sculptures of Bhairava.

Nāyikā (or Surasundarī).

Nāyikā (or Surasundarī).

Sculptures of Bhairavī and Bhairava.

Sculptures of Bhairavī and Bhairava.

A fragmentary head of a woman.

A fragmentary head of a woman.

Kānḍeśvara Temple: There is another temple of Kānḍeśvara (Śiva) beside this temple. The sabhāmaṇḍapa of this temple has been destroyed. It’s remaining lower part is still visible. There is a śivaliṅga in the garbhagṛha. Fragmented parts of a total of four vīragaḷas are visible on the temple premises. Based on the remaining structure of this temple, it seems that it also might be contemporary with Bhairavanātha. Some Vāḍās and a recently built Jain temple are in front of the temple.

Temple of Kānḍeśwara (Śiva).

Temple of Kānḍeśwara (Śiva).

Concluding Remarks: Overall, the architectural style of this temple bears resemblance to the Rāvaṇeśvara temple in Ravangaon and the Yamāī temple in Malegaon Khurd. Given the similarities in architecture and sculptures, it is reasonable to estimate that these temples were likely built around the same time, possibly in the 14th or 15th century.

Preservation of the architecture and sculptures is crucial for maintaining the temple's historical and cultural significance. The use of chemicals in vermilion, often applied to the images, should be prohibited to prevent potential damage. It is crucial that the community take collective responsibility for this invaluable heritage. One hopes that the villagers should pass on this precious treasure to the next generation without demolishing this temple and trying to build a new one instead.

About Temple

An ancient temple with distinctive architecture and sculptures, which requires preservation to protect its original beauty and artifacts for future generations

Time Period

c. 14th-15th century

Patron

Bahamani

Deity

Bhairavnath

Location

Kalas

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