Kikali Bhairavnath Temple – Maharashtra

Address

Kikali Bhairavnath Temple – Maharashtra

Kikali,

Maharashtra 415530

Moolavar

Bhairavnath

Introduction

Kikali Bhairavnath Temple is located just north of the village of Kikali in Maharashtra, 15 km north of Satara, is the ancient Bhairavnath Temple.

Puranic Significance

The temple is built during the Yadava period (12th – 14th century AD) this is one of only fourteen Bhairavnath Temples in the state of Maharashtra. Temple facing east, it conforms to the classic tridala plan of Indian temple architecture; the main and southern sanctums housing a shivalinga, the northern sanctum containing a sculpture of Bhairavnath.

The temple plain is actually quite decorated with diamond and floral motifs along with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Plus the odd splash of color for good measure. The main hall has an impressive Nandi, and outside there is a deepastambha (lamp post) and other subsidiary shrines, most of them in a ruined state. The information plaque indicates that the temple was declared a monument of state importance in June 2000. The entire complex is bounded by a perimeter wall; it is here that you will find those Hero Stones.