Nebia Khera Shiva Brick Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Nebia Khera Shiva Brick Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Nebia Khera Village, Kanpur Dehat District,

Uttar Pradesh 209206

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Nebia Khera Brick Temple is a historic temple located in Nebia Khera Village in the Kanpur Dehat District of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is protected as a monument of national importance by the Central Archaeological Survey of India.

1. Location: The temple is situated approximately 500 meters from Bhadwara on the Ghatampur to Jahanabad road in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Date of Construction: The Nebia Khera Brick Temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century CE.
3. Change in Deity: The temple’s original deity was Lord Vishnu, as evidenced by the carving of Gajalakshmi on the lintel. However, at a later period, it was converted into a Shiva Temple.
4. Architectural Style: This temple follows the Panchayatana style of architecture. In this style, the main shrine is placed on a raised platform, and there are four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners, making a total of five shrines. Three of the subsidiary shrines are at the corners, while one is in line with the northern wall of the main shrine.
5. Structure: The central shrine consists of the sanctum, antrala, and mandapa. Unfortunately, the mandapa has been completely lost. The antrala has a superstructure called sukhanasi, which appears as a shorter extension of the main tower. The sanctum is square internally but externally has a dvadasha bhadra design.
6. Sculptures: The base of the doorjamb of the sanctum is adorned with sculptures of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. An image of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen at the center of the lintel of the sanctum door. The architrave above the door lintel depicts the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities). The central shrine follows the Latina shikara style of Nagara architecture. There are niches on the external walls of the sanctum, although they are presently empty.
7. Presiding Deity: The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Bhadresvara, in the form of a Shiva Linga. Behind the Linga, there is a panel containing images of Kartikeya and Veerabhadra. Unfortunately, these images are highly eroded and difficult to recognize.
8. Subsidiary Shrines: The subsidiary shrines follow a similar style in construction and materials used. The entrances to these shrines are triangular in shape, but they are currently empty.

Century/Period

9th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Bhadwara

Nearest Railway Station

Ghatampur Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Kanpur

Location on Map

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