Lavana Bhimchori Shiva temple- Gujarat

Address

Lavana Bhimchori Shiva temple- Gandhiyana Muvada, Lavana, Gujarat 389230

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Bhimchori is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. You can easily access this temple from Lunavada via buses, as it is well-connected along the Lunavada to Modasa route.

Puranic Significance

This temple is believed to be built in 14th or 15th century CE.

Special Features

This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The temple is situated towards the east side of Shikaar Madhi. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.This Temple is situated at the topmost elevation at Kaleshwari. The temple is in a ruined state. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala (vestibule), Sabha Mandapa (prayer hall) and Mukha Mandapa (entrance arch). The Sabha Mandapa has a short wall running along its sides with short columns in a grid on top. The super structure of the Sabha Mandapa and the Mukha Mandapa is now lost. The Sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The exterior walls of the sanctum is decorated with sculptures. The shikara over the sanctum is lost completely.

It holds the distinction of being one of the protected historical sites in Gujarat, as declared by the Archaeological Survey of India. Located at the highest point of Kaleshwari, the temple unfortunately stands in a state of disrepair. Its architectural elements include a Sanctum, Antrala (vestibule), Sabha Mandapa (prayer hall), and Mukha Mandapa (entrance arch). The Sabha Mandapa features short walls along its sides with small columns arranged in a grid on top. Regrettably, the superstructures of the Sabha Mandapa and the Mukha Mandapa have been lost over time. The Sanctum is constructed in a pancharatha plan and is adorned with sculptures on its exterior walls. However, the shikara (tower) over the sanctum has been completely lost to the ravages of time.