Menal Shiv Mandir — Attraction in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is home to many awe-inspiring temples and the ones housed in Menal are no exception.

The temples on either side of the Menal waterfall are dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. The complex was built by a mighty king belonging to the Chahamana dynasty, Someshvara and his queen. It is said that the temples that comprise the main structure of the complex was built by the king. The queen had built the single temple that has a detached monastery across the Menal river. Since the foundation inscription of this complex is lost, it isn’t certain who had built which structure.

During the rule of the Chauhans in Rajasthan, Prithviraj Chauhan, a famous ruler of his dynasty, loved the site so much that built a palace called Rusirani Palace on the banks of the river. As it was built on slabs of granite, in monsoons it offers an amazing view of the water gushing down the rocks and plunging 150 feet down into the pool.

As soon as you enter the main gate of the temple complex, lush gardens invite you in. The gardens are beautifully maintained and offer a great sight for visitors. The temple entrance that leads you inside the complex has two floors adorned with several pillars and spirals.

The deep gorge of the waterfall divides the complex into two parts. Mahabaleshwara Temple which is the main Shiva temple in the complex is built in Bhumija style of architecture. In this, a square plan is rotated around the centre stopped at regular intervals as the structure rises up.

The temple has projectile balconies that showcase the Rajasthani style of architecture. The stone carvings on each of the temples gives this complex a uniformly beautiful appearance.

The smaller temples that surround this main one are almost in ruins. There is a unique structure of a high raised platform with three pillars near the main temple. Against the azure sky, this place looks as if it was built for those who love to click photographs.

After visiting Mahabaleshwar temple, exit through the doorway at the back of the smaller temples. As soon as you walk a little further, a breathtaking view awaits you! The giant waterfall plunging into a deep gorge surrounded by lush greenery is a...

The temple of Siva as Mahanal, was a great centre of Saivism under the rule of the Chahamanas.  It is mentioned as a place of pilgrimage. A temple of the eleventh century A.D. is built in the Bhumija style of architecture with stellate pancharathaground plan and corresponding superstructure carrying strings of angasikharas, surmounted by a double amalaka. The layout has an antarala  in front, a sukanasa above and a rangamandapa beyond with samvarana roof. A separate nandi-mandapa exists. There is no jagati terrace and the pitha is surmounted by gajapitha and narapitha. The sculptures are of a high order.  The sabhamandapa has two entrances, to the west and the north.  That Menal is an ancient site is shown by the presence of twin small Saiva shrines (dated to the beginning of the eighth century) situated to the northwest of the Bhumija temple.  Dedicated respectively to Ganesa and Gauri, each consists of a pancharatha sanctum and an antarala, preceded by a pair of ornate pillars.  Prominence is given to the images of Lakulisa, Natesa and Ardhanarisvara in the bhadra niches of each.  Only a portion of the sikhara has survived on one of these shrines.  Between the two shrines was built in A.D. 1168 an identically planned Siva shrine, by Suhada devi.  A hypostyle mandapa was also constructed at the site to serve as a Saiva matha.  The matha employssome luxuriously embellished ghatapallava pillars which also seem to date from the beginning of the eighth century. An inscription records that the matha was built by an ascetic Bhavabrahma in A.D. 1169 during the reign of the Chahamanas king Prithviraja II.  Besides, a Siva temple and Runi Rani-ka-Mahal located on the west of the main temple, are...

"A temple of dreams, carved in stone, a masterpiece of devotion . "The artistry of faith, a testament to tradition "Lost in the grandeur, found in the stillness." "An experience that transcends time, a journey of the heart." "A glimpse into the divine, a moment of pure bliss." "Prayers and peace, a symphony of the spirit." "An architectural wonder, a place of spiritual beauty." "Stepping into this Rajasthani mandir, I felt a profound sense of peace and awe. The intricate carvings, the majestic architecture, and the vibrant colors transport you to a different world. Each stone whispers tales of devotion and history. The air hums with the energy of prayers and the gentle rhythm of chants. This is more than just a building; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where time seems to slow down and you can connect with something larger than yourself. I found myself lost in the stillness, contemplating the beauty of the divine and the enduring power of faith. #RajasthaniTemples #MandirMagic #RajasthanCulture #SpiritualJourney...