Himmatnagar Khed-Roda Group of Temples, Gujarat

Address

Himmatnagar Khed-Roda Group of Temples, Raisingpura, Himmatnagar Sabarkantha, Gujarat 383030

Diety

Shiva, Vishnu

Introduction

Khed Roda is a Group of seven temples near Himmatnagar of Sabarkantha District. But locally it is said that there were more than 100 temples in this area. Most of them are completely vanished. These temples are built along the seasonal stream which merges with river Hathimati one km down. It may be possibility that this stream might have been important and flowing during construction of these temples. Roda in Gujarati means brick-bats. This place was in obscurity. During first decades of 20th century, the brick bats are coming out of place was reported. Hence, this place was called as Roda group of temples.

Puranic Significance

These temples were built in 8-9th century during Gurjar-Prtihara or Rastrakuta period. There is a confusion which dynasty built these temples. The construction was taken placed during tri-partiate struggle years. If we accept the Rashtrakuta hegemony over Gujarat, we may have to find out the Rashtrakuta architecture in Gujarat. It will not logical to argue that the Rashtrakutas never built in Gujarat, as they have been the most voracious builders of the early medieval period. The Iconography influence of southern style indicates that most probably temples were built by Rastrakuta rulars. The Temple No. I is nirandhara shrine with bi-partite offset (dwi-anga) plan configuration. It is situated on east-facing jagati (plinth). The entrance mandapa is of prag-griva style with four pillars. The inner sanctum is square. The plinth has moldings of bhita and pattika. The circumvention path (pradakshina) is provided by space on the plinth. The outer walls of the shrine is devoid of ornamentation. The mandapa has phansana type roof and the latina type spire over the main shrine has elaborate bold jala pattern carvings. It is topped by large amalaka. The Temple No. II It has a phansana styled spire, not usual latina spire. It is called as bird temple. Pakshi Mandir (No. II) which has no idols but carving of birds hence also known as bird temple. Temple No. II is the smallest temple among the group. The Temple III is dedicated to Shiva, Temple V to God Vishnu and temple IV is in ruins. Only its base is visible now. In front of these temples is a kund. This kund as four shrines in four corners of it. This ladushah kund (stepped reservoir may have been in center of another group of temples. These temples might have been of Surya and Goddess on another side of Kund. One image of God Surya is in Baroda Museum. The Temple VI: Navgraha Temple is on the opposite side that of temples III,IV,V. This is called as Navgraha Temple due to depiction of nine planets of astrology on the door frame of temple. Beautiful apsara are carved on mandapa. Hundreds of ruins are spread in nearby area of temple. There was a interesting pillar half buried in the soil. It has shown a carvings of Sun,Moon,A warrior fighting and a shaivite worshiping Shivling. The Temple VII is Biggest temple of the group. It is a Roda Shiva temple.