Harshnath Temple — Attraction in Rajasthan

Harshnath is an ancient temple on Harshgiri dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates to 956 AD. As per the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple was built by a Shaivite Bhavarakta known as Allata during the reign of Vigraharaja I of the Chahamana dynasty.

Most people have not heard about the Chahamana dynasty. Many historians consider the origin of Chauhan Rajput rulers to Chahamana. Chahamana dynasty ruled over a vast area of Rajasthan and Haryana from the 7th to 12th centuries. Their earlier capital was in Sambhar famous for the salt & delicious Indian sweet -Fini. They worshipped Shakhambari Mata and this temple still exists in Sambhar. Ajmer became their next capital under the rule of Ajayraja. That’s how the name Ajmer is derived. Chahamana repulsed attacks by the famous Muslim invader Mohammed Ghazni of the middle east. Famous Adhai Din Ka Jhompra which was converted into a mosque under the Mughal rule was built by this dynasty. Chahamanas were famous as Chauhans of Shakhambari and later as Chauhans of Ajmer. Sergeant E Dean discovered Harshnath temple on 3rd December 1834 AD. In 1835, he presented a paper to the Asiatic Society along with an inscription deciphered from this site. The inscription provides great information on the history of the Chauhan dynasty and the names of places under their rule. He referred to this temple as Shiva Baidyanath in his paper and mentioned that the stone quality is similar to the one in Qutub (Minar) in Delhi. Dean was of the opinion that the Chauhan dynasty of Rajasthan was related to the rulers of Kannauj. He further noted that this mountain was home to Leopard’s and Neelgai. There’s an interesting mythological story of Harshnath and Jeen Mata which claims that they are both brother and sister. This temple is built in Maha-Meru style The common belief is that the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb destroyed the original Harshnath Temple in 1679 AD along with many other temples across India under a fatwah against Hindu temples. The original 10th-century temple is made of stones. The temple has beautiful and intrinsic carvings on the pillars and ceiling. This temple is contemporary to the famous Khajuraho temples. They were built during the same time period and one can see many similarities in their architecture & structure. You can’t miss this beautiful idol of Nandi made of white Makrana marble. I’m not sure if this was installed when the new temple was built in the 18th century or if it’s from the 10th century. As a custom, the idol of Nandi is commonly installed in Shiva temples because it is considered as the trusted steed of Shiva. As per Hinduism, every Hindu god has a Vahana or vehicle. Nandi is considered as the gate guardian of Shiva. It stands for truth as well as righteousness. These two temples are not the only temples on the Harsh Parvat. There’s yet another one situated a little further and doesn’t even resemble a temple structure. This temple must have been built during the 18th century since stones and idols from the ruined temple have been used in the facade. It is Behrun Ji ka Mandir and you need to descend down to a lower level to reach the sanctum. I assume this one is more popular among the locals since there was a flurry of activity and a number of Pandits. While Harshnath temple is under ASI, I assume this one is privately managed. The priest issued an “advanced warning” against photographing the...

Perched majestically on the slopes of the Aravalli hills near the town of Sikar, the Harshnath Mahadev Temple is an ancient edifice dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 10th century during the reign of the Chauhan rulers, the temple is a beacon of spiritual and historical significance.

In the village of Harsh, near the temple, lived a young boy named Arjun. Arjun was captivated by the stories of the temple's glory and the divine presence of Lord Shiva that was said to permeate the area. His grandfather, a temple priest, often regaled him with tales of the temple's past, its intricate architecture, and the miracles that had occurred there.

One monsoon season, the village was struck by a severe drought. The once-lush hills were parched, and the villagers, dependent on agriculture, faced a dire situation. The villagers, led by Arjun's grandfather, decided to conduct a grand yagna at the Harshnath Mahadev Temple, praying for Shiva's intervention.

Arjun, though young, was determined to help. He spent days collecting firewood, arranging offerings, and preparing the temple for the ceremony. On the day of the yagna, the villagers gathered at the temple, their hearts heavy with hope and desperation. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the sound of chanting as the priest led the prayers.

As the flames of the yagna rose higher, a sudden wind swept through the temple. Dark clouds gathered, and in a miraculous turn of events, rain began to pour. The villagers rejoiced, dancing and singing praises to Lord Shiva. Arjun, drenched but exhilarated, looked up at the sky, feeling a deep sense of connection to the divine.

From that day on, Arjun's faith in Lord Shiva and the Harshnath Mahadev Temple was unshakable. The temple, already a symbol of devotion and architectural beauty, now stood as a testament to the power of faith and the miracles it could bring. Arjun grew up to become a priest, dedicating his life to preserving the legacy of the temple and the stories that had shaped...

If you're visiting Rajasthan and want to experience history, spirituality, and breathtaking views all in one place, Harsh Nath Temple is a must-visit!

This ancient temple, believed to be over 1000 years old, stands atop the Harshnath hills, offering a serene and divine atmosphere. Built before the famous Khatu Shyam Mandir, this temple has witnessed centuries of devotion and history. The intricate carvings and architecture reflect the grandeur of the 10th-century era.

Why Visit Harsh Nath Temple?

✔ Spiritual Vibes – A peaceful and divine place for meditation and prayers. ✔ Historical Significance – One of the oldest temples in the region, with ancient ruins still present. ✔ Scenic Views – The temple is located on a hilltop, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. ✔ Less Crowded – Unlike Khatu Shyam Mandir, this place offers a calm and peaceful experience, perfect for those looking to connect with spirituality.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or evening for a mesmerizing sunrise/sunset experience.

During winters (October to March) for pleasant weather.

How to Reach?

The temple is located near Sikar, Rajasthan. It is well-connected by road, and a short trek to the top makes the journey even more memorable.

If you're visiting Khatu Shyam Mandir, don't miss this ancient marvel just a short distance away! Harsh Nath Temple is a hidden gem that deserves more attention for its rich history, peaceful environment, and breathtaking beauty.

Plan your trip today and experience the divine charm of Harsh...