Toka Vishnu Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Toka Vishnu Temple, Toka Village, Nalanda District Maharashtra 414603

Diety

Vishnu

Introduction

The Sri Vishnu Temple in Toka village, Nalanda District, Maharashtra, is a fine example of Yadava architecture dating back to the 12th-13th century in the Marathwada region.

Location and Architecture:

The Sri Vishnu Temple is part of the Siddheshwar temple complex located in Toka village, Nalanda District, Maharashtra.
It showcases the architectural style of the Yadava dynasty and is known for its distinctive features.

Temple Features:

The main temple in the Siddheshwar temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while the Sri Vishnu Temple is situated to the right of the main temple.
The Sri Vishnu Temple is smaller in size compared to the main temple but is remarkable for its intricate and unique sculptures.
The temple’s outer walls are adorned with carvings of various deities and their associated vehicles, known as vahanas.

Deities and Their Sculptures:

On the west wall of the Sri Vishnu Temple, there is an idol of Lord Varuna, the deity associated with water. He is depicted riding an elephant, and carvings of Varuna’s snare and mace can also be seen.
The south-east wall features a sculpture of Lord Agni, the god of fire, along with his vehicle, Edka.
A representation of Yama, the god of death, can be found on the south wall of the temple, and his vehicle, Reda, is also depicted.
The northwest wall displays the idol of Lord Vayu, the deity of the wind, who is shown standing with a flag in his hand. His vehicle is thought to be an ox.
Swami Ishan or Rudra is depicted on the northeast wall. He is shown holding various attributes like Trishul (trident), Damru (drum), Kamandalu (water pot), and Nag (serpent) in his hands.
Swami Kubera, the lord of wealth, can be found on the north side of the temple, and he is shown standing with a crocodile.
Some sculptures in the temple depict the vehicles of these deities, which are sometimes shown as oxen or Varuna’s Nakra (crocodile), given Varuna’s association with water.

Unique Sculptures:

The Sri Vishnu Temple is known for its remarkable sculptures of elephants and peacocks on the back wall. The level of detail in these sculptures is noteworthy, and even the teeth in the jaws of the peacocks are intricately carved.

The Sri Vishnu Temple not only showcases the architectural and artistic skills of the Yadava dynasty but also provides a glimpse into the rich iconography and symbolism of Hindu deities and their associated vehicles. These unique sculptures add to the cultural and historical significance of the temple complex in Toka village.