Mandhata Kedareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Mandhata Kedareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Mandhata, Punasa Tehsil,

Khandwa District,

Madhya Pradesh 451115

Moolavar

Kedareshwar

Introduction

The Kedareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on Mandhata Island near Omkareshwar in Punasa Tehsil, Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Kedareshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is revered as the god of destruction and transformation. The temple is located on Mandhadha Island, a riverine island in the Narmada River.he Kedareshwar Temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from the renowned Omkareshwar Temple.

Puranic Significance

The Kedareshwar Temple, constructed in the 13th century CE by the Paramara rulers, is a significant religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Special Features

Orientation: The temple is oriented towards the east, a common alignment in Hindu temple architecture where the main entrance typically faces the rising sun.

Architectural Style: The temple follows the pancharatha architectural plan, characterized by a sanctum (garbhagriha) and an entrance porch (mandapa). This style is commonly seen in North Indian temple architecture.

Sanctum and Deity: The sanctum of the temple houses the presiding deity, Lord Kedareshwar, in the form of a Shiva Linga placed within a circular yonipitha (base). The Shiva Linga is the central focus of worship and devotion in the temple.

Nandi Statue: In front of the temple, there is typically a Nandi sculpture facing the sanctum. Nandi is Lord Shiva’s sacred bull and serves as the guardian and vehicle of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Devotees often offer their prayers and wishes to Nandi before entering the sanctum.

Shikhara Style: The temple’s shikara (tower) follows the nagara style, which is characteristic of North Indian temple architecture. The shikhara typically represents the celestial abode of the deity and may have intricate sculptural details.

Exterior Decorations: While the temple’s exterior walls are described as devoid of decorations, it’s worth noting that some ancient temples have intricate carvings and motifs on the exterior, depicting various deities, mythological scenes, and architectural embellishments. The absence of exterior decorations could be a stylistic choice or due to the passage of time and weathering.