Visiting the Archeological Survey of India site museum at Bejamandal, Vidisha...............................shares K J S Chatrath

              This is how I am spending my old age- keeping myself away from politics and religion.

Broken temple pieces of Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram

 As a part of my self-propelled endeavor to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India, I had visited the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram a few months back. A large number of broken pieces are lying around in the large compound. 

These broken temple pieces are the historical remnants of severe damage inflicted during medieval-era invasions from the Deccan. Built in the 12th century by Chola emperor Rajaraja II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally a much vaster complex that suffered significant destruction.

·        The Ruined Rajagopuram (Main Entrance): The outermost seven-tiered walls and the main entry tower were completely destroyed, leaving only a tower less base, scattered pillars, and chopped stone structures.

·        The Outer Courtyard: The second enclosure wall was almost entirely leveled. The open courtyards house fragments of broken friezes, unattached pillars, and chipped bas-reliefs.

·        Vandalized Sculptures: A few empty wall niches and damaged idols, including chopped carvings of deities and structural elements, can be seen across the exterior.

 The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has painstakingly managed the site since 1954. They have reassembled portions of the ruined eastern entrance and safeguard fragile elements, like the famous musical steps, under protective metal grilles to prevent further deterioration.  

Still a lot remains to be done as these broken pieces show.........

Katakshnath Mahadeva Temple, 12th CE, Warangal, India

 

Visiting & photographing some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India- 64 Yogini Temple Ranipur-Jharial................K J S Chatrath

As a part of my self-propelled endeavor to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India, I had visited the 64 Yogini Temple (antiquity around 900 CE) some times back. 

That is me with two experts at the entrance of the 64 Yogini Temple, Ranipur-Jharial, in Balangir district of Odisha.

My self-propelled endeavour to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India-Arthuna, district Banswara, Rajasthan....K J S Chatrath

Continuing my self propelled endeavor to visit & photograph some broken heritage Hindu temples across India I visited Arthuna broken temples in 2024. 

The Arthuna Group of Temples, approximately 38 km to 55 km from Banswara City, Rajasthan, is a significant archaeological site located in the Banswara district of Rajasthan, India. Built primarily during the 11th and 12th centuries, these ruins serve as a testament to the artistic excellence and diverse religious harmony under the patronage of the Paramara rulers.

The Paramara kings simultaneously patronized Shaivism, Jainism, and Shaktism. This multi- faceted devotion resulted in the parallel construction of massive Hindu and Jain temple complexes. These temples eventually got reduced to a dilapidated state due to a combination of invasions, heavy historical vandalism, and centuries of neglect before being excavated and partially restored by archaeologists.

 The site is currently managed and protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

More later……………

                     Indicative map of India showing the approximate location of Arthuna in Rajasthan. 

 

 

Visiting an old broken heritage Hindu temple near Mitavali, Madhya Pradesh, India................................k j s chatrath

 Continuing my self propelled endeavor to visit & photograph some broken heritage Hindu temples across India I visited Mitavali, Madhya Pradesh, India some times back.

This place is famous for the 64 Yogini Temple from where the British architect copied (took the inspiration of) the design of India's Parliament House. Of course he did not have the magnanimity to give credit to the old Indian temple.

The photos shared here are not from the 64 Yogini temple but from a nearby roadside dilapidated old temple lying uncared for.

Should we build more temples or first repair restore old heritage temples built by ancestors which need restoration?

Visiting Shivalaya at Shanigaram, district Warangal Telengana...............by K J S Chatrath

Continuing my self propelled endeavour to visit & photograph some lesser known broken/dilapidated heritage Hindu temples across India, I visited the Shivalaya at Shanigram , district Warangal in Telengana on 6th August 2026. 

The Shivalaya at Shanigaram is a little-known surviving remnant of the Kakatiya architectural tradition of medieval Telangana. Situated on the outskirts of Shanigaram village in Nallabelli mandal, the temple is understood to be around 700 years old. Recent heritage investigations have associated its architectural character particularly with the period of Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva (r. c. 1199–1262 CE).

The temple follows a traditional Shaiva plan, comprising a garbhagriha (sanctum), ardha-mandapa and a 16-pillared mahamandapa, raised on an elevated stone base. Ornamental doorframes, mouldings and carved stone members display features characteristic of Kakatiya-period temple craftsmanship.

The site appears to have suffered prolonged neglect. Collapsed doorways, fallen roof slabs, displaced pillars and damage to the staircase have compromised the structural integrity of the monument. Dense vegetation has further obscured portions of the remains.

It is crying for care. Should we build more temples or give a fresh lease of life to old heritage temples built by our ancestors which need repair and restoration?