Temple

Amidst trees, mangroves and plantations in the Baroli village stands the architecturally magnificent cluster of temples, the Baroli temples. The complex is located close to the rocky bank of the Chambal River, 45 kilometers from Kota. The complex consists of eight major temples.Though not much is known about the history of the Baroli Temples, they are believed to have been built during the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire in the 10th-11th centuries. A carved stone image of the god Nataraja was stolen from the Baroli temple complex in 1998.

Legend

Not much is known about the history or legend regarding the Baroli temples. There are 8 major temples in Baroli and a ninth about one kilometer away. Four temples are dedicated to Shiva (including the  Ghateshwara Mahadeva Temple, the most popular of the temples), two to Durga and one each to Shiva-Trimurti, Vishnu and Ganesha.

Architecture

The Baroli temples shows the architectural brilliance of the bygone eras. It consists of temple structures built in the Gurjara-Pratihara architectural style, with exquisitely carved stonework.The Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple is the largest in the complex. The main temple structure comprises the sanctum (garbhagriha) and the mukhamandapa, a front mandapa or hall. The sanctum has a ceiling in the form of a large blossoming lotus. The entire structure, made of stone is covered with carvings exemplifying the exquisite stone work and craftsmanship of the artisans who worked on it.

Darsan Info

Temple timings - 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Culture

Situated on the banks of Chambal River, Kota is a major coaching hub of the country for competitive examination and has a number of engineering/medical coaching institutes. Kota is also known for its palaces, monuments and gardens.

Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular puja and rituals.

Special Rituals

The priests dot the devotees forehead with sandalwood and turmeric after the puja

Additional Info