Kherat Brick Shiva Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Kherat Brick Shiva Temple, Kherat Village, Ater Tehsil, Bhind District, Madhya Pradesh-477111

Diety

Shiva Amman: Mahishasura Mardhini

Introduction

The Kherat Brick Temples, situated in Kherat Village within the Ater Tehsil of Bhind District in Madhya Pradesh, India, are a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Durga. These temples are thought to have been constructed in the 10th century CE and are positioned along the banks of the Chambel River. Unfortunately, many ancient sites, dating as far back as the Nanda period, have suffered desecration by Muslim invaders or have deteriorated due to the effects of weather and time. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recognized the significance of these temples by designating them as Monuments of National Importance.

Puranic Significance

In the village of Kherat, there are two ancient brick-built temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Goddess Durga. The Shiva temple is constructed partially with bricks and stands on a low plinth. It includes a sanctum dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctum has a square layout and is topped with a pyramidal shikara (tower), adorned with chaitya dormers. The exterior walls of the temple are embellished with two bands of sculptures, and the pillars are decorated with ghatapallava motifs.

On the other hand, the Durga temple is situated on a mound and has undergone extensive restoration, which unfortunately has altered much of its original architectural style. This temple also consists of a sanctum, dedicated to Mahishasura Mardhini, a form of Goddess Durga. The sanctum has a square plan and is crowned with a domed roof. Unlike the Shiva temple, the exterior walls of the Durga temple lack any decorative elements. Interestingly, the Navagraha panel that used to adorn the sanctum doorway of this temple has been missing since 1986. These two temples in Kherat Village offer a glimpse into ancient architectural and religious traditions, with each temple dedicated to a different deity and showcasing unique design elements.