Chittorgarh Fort Samadishwara Temple, Rajasthan

Address

Chittorgarh Fort Samadishwara Temple, Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001

Diety

Samadishwara

Introduction

The Samadhishvara Temple is located in the Chittor Fort in Rajasthan, India. It is dedicated to Shiva, who is called “Samadhishvara”, that is, “Lord of Samadhi”. The name “Adbhut-ji” seems to be a local name for the three-faced aspect of Shiva; the temples contain a three-faced idol of Shiva. This temple was also known as the Bhoja-svamin-jagati, as attested by a 1301 CE inscription. Ojha further identified this temple as the present-day Samadhishvara temple.

Puranic Significance

This 11th CE temple dedicated to Shiva in his Trimurti avatar is probably one of the oldest temples in this complex. Standing next to the Gomukh pond this temple has a pyramidal roof that is usually seen in Jain temples. The base of the temple is an inverted lotus. And a human life story is carved on a panel above it. The stone shows the signs of aging and the impact of climate over centuries. But the artist’s craftsmanship still shines through the stories carved in stone. A unique part of this temple is its giant three-headed idol of Shiva. There are yantras and inscriptions on the inner walls of the temple. There is a small Nandi temple in an open pavilion like all Shiva temples.There are many big and small temples scattered around this temple mostly in a dilapidated state.