Kalayat Brick Temples Complex, Haryana

Address

Kalayat Brick Temples Complex, Kalayat, Haryana 136117

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

The Kalayat Ancient Brick Temple Complex is a ruined brick temple complex north of Delhi, is located in Kalayat town in Kaithal district of the state of Haryana, India. It comprises the several Hindu temples, including two ancient temples dating from the 8th century. This temple constitutes an important point in the series of 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra. The temple complex includes a large Kapil Muni Tirath. Locally made red bricks were the main source of material for the buildings and sculptures. They were built without using any plaster or mortar. Only two temples survive. One temple is a Shiva temple in the Pancha Rathas style with a Linga statue and snake statue.

Puranic Significance

The 7th-8th century AD Shiva brick temple is situated in Kalayat on the Narwana-Kaithal road. The temple built in the Pancharatha style. The brick temple dedicated to Lord Siva is an exquisite master piece of ancient architecture. From a distance it appears as a huge tomb made of bricks. The backyard of the temple has steps going down that lead to a Kund, created to take bath before the worship. In the garbhagriha of the temple it has a stone linga (Lord Siva’s Idol). The temple has various sculptures and snake statues. Built in the Pancharatha style the temple is square in shape with an antarala (a small anti-chamber between the shrine and the porch leading to the temple) and a portico. The brick temple was built hundreds of years ago and has a rather interesting story behind it. It is said that King Shalivahana, the ruler of Kaithal, was cursed to death. He was terrified by the danger coming on his way. The King however managed to touch the soil of the spot where he was standing. After touching the soil he was relieved to find himself all fine and healthy. Overjoyed by the magical spell of the earth, the King decided to build five Brick Temples there. Only two temples still stands here and the other three are ruined. The remains of the ruined temples show the brilliant ancient architectural efficiency. Designed in sync with the famous Ajanta Ellora Temples, the Brick Temples were believed to have been made up of specially carved bricks that have an added architectural elegance. The peak of the structure is joined that looks like a beehive and makes it unique from other existing shrines of the place. The premises of the temples are specially lit up and decorated with flowers on festive occasions especially during Mahasivaratri.