Khor Nav Toran Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Address

Khor Nav Toran Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Khor, Neemuch District

Madhya Pradesh 458470

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Nav Toran Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Khor Town, Neemuch District, Madhya Pradesh, India.

• Historical Significance: The Nav Toran Temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century CE, making it a significant historical and architectural site.
• Name: The name “Nav Toran” is derived from the words “Nav,” meaning nine, and “Toran,” meaning pillars. The temple is named after the nine decorative arches supported by pillars that are a prominent feature of the temple’s architecture.
• Architectural Features: The temple is known for its ten decorative arches arranged in two rows, with one row extending lengthwise and the other arranged widthwise. These rows intersect at the center and are supported by pairs of pillars in the hall and porches. The temple is adorned with decorative elements such as leaf-shaped borders, makara heads (mythical sea creatures), and garland bearers.
• Central Statue: At the center of the temple, there is a statue of Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who appears in the form of a boar. Varaha is a significant deity in Hindu mythology.
• Shiva Lingam: The temple has a sanctum housing a Shiva Lingam, which is a representation of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
• Historical Tunnel: Legend has it that there is a tunnel beneath the temple that leads to the Chittor Fort. Maharana Pratap, a celebrated figure in Rajput history, is believed to have used this tunnel to worship the deity of the temple from Chittor.
• National Importance: The Nav Toran Temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Century/Period

11th-century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Jawad

Nearest Railway Station

Jawad Road Station

Nearest Airport

Udaipur

Location on Map

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