Gyaraspur Atha Khamba Temple - Madhya Pradesh

Address

Gyaraspur Atha Khamba Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Gyaraspur, Vidisha District,

Madhya Pradesh 464331

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Atha Khamba Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a historically significant site located in Gyaraspur Town, Gyaraspur Tehsil, Vidisha District, Madhya Pradesh, India.The Atha Khamba Temple is recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Puranic Significance

The description you provided seems to be about a temple architecture in India.

Orientation: The temple faces east, which is a common orientation in many Indian temples. East-facing temples are designed to allow the first rays of the rising sun to illuminate the main deity or sanctum.

Raised Platform: The temple is built on a raised platform, which is typical in Hindu temple architecture. This platform symbolizes the elevated spiritual significance of the temple.

Access: The temple can be accessed through a flight of steps from the eastern side. This is a common feature in temple architecture, providing a ceremonial approach for devotees.

Structure: The temple likely consists of several parts:

Mukha Mandapa: This is the entrance hall or porch of the temple.

Antrala: An intermediate chamber leading to the sanctum.

Sanctum: The innermost chamber where the main deity or idol is enshrined.

Name: The temple is referred to as the “Atha Khamba Temple,” which translates to the “Eight Pillar Temple.” This name likely reflects the number of pillars present in the current structure.

Pillars: There are eight pillars in the temple:

Two pillars in the antrala that support a makara torana (a decorative archway).

Four central pillars in the hall (mukha mandapa).

Carvings: The pillars are profusely carved with pot creeper motifs. Such intricate carvings are common in Hindu temple architecture and often depict religious and mythological themes.

Pillar Design: The pillars are octagonal in shape and have lion faces at the four corners of the lower capital. The upper capital supports the beams of the mandapa. This design is characteristic of many ancient Indian temples, and the capital’s design often carries symbolic and aesthetic significance.