Lavana Shikar Madhi, Gujarat

Address

Lavana Shikar Madhi, Gandhiyana Muvada, Gujarat 389230

Diety

Vishnu

Introduction

Shikar Madhi is an ancient Temple structure located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India.The temple structure is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Puranic Significance

The construction of Shikar Madhi is credited to Vakhat Singh Baavaji (1735 – 1757 CE), who served as the king of Lunavada, a princely state within British India. Vakhat Singh Baavaji repurposed the ruins of ancient structures dating back to the 10th century CE to create the Shikar Madhi. This building was primarily intended to serve as accommodation during his hunting expeditions to this area.

Special Features

The Shikar Madhi structure was assembled using materials from ancient structures and temples in the vicinity. From an architectural perspective, it lacks significant intrinsic value, but its exterior walls are adorned with sculptures that originally belonged to other ancient monuments in the area. These sculptures include notable figures like Nritya Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Vishnu, Chamunda, Varahi, Darpan kanya, and Maithuna, all dating back to the 10th century CE. It’s important to note that some individuals associate this temple with Vishnu.

This structure is regarded as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments and is sometimes colloquially referred to as a “Hunting lodge.” However, it is dedicated to Vishnu. The temple holds protected status as a designated historical site in Gujarat, recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India.