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Baijnath temple has been continuously under worship ever since
its construction in 1204 A.D. by two local merchants named Ahuka
and Manyuka. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the
temple indicate that a temple of Siva existed on the spot even
before the present one was constructed. The present temple is a
beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple
architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu
form of Sivalinga is enshrined in the sanctum of the temple that
has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall
curvilinear Shikhara. The entrance to sanctum is through a
vestibule that has a large square Mandapa in front with two
massive balconies one each in north and south. There is a small
porch in front of the mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in
the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small
pillared shrine. The whole temple is enclosed by a high wall
with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the
temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses.
Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls. The outer
doorway in the porch as also the inner doorway leading to the
sanctum of the temple are also studded with a large number of
images of great beauty and iconographic importance. Some of them
are very rare to be found elsewhere. |
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Sculptures
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Chamunda
This is a rare idol of goddess Chamunda. The ten handed devi is shown in
rage killing a demon while standing on the body of kaal. On the right is
shown another under her dagger.
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Kartikay
This is most beautiful and expressive idol kept in
the niche on the northern face of the temple. Six
headed Kartikay is shown seated on the peacock in
lalitasan with a blissful main face.
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