Menal Shiv Temple

Rajasthan , Chittorgarh, Jaipur

On either sides of the beautiful Menal waterfall, the place made famous during reign of King Prithviraj Chauhan, is the group of Siva temples known as the Menal temple complex. This temple complex was built by Someshvar Chahamana and his queen Suhavadevi of the Shakambhari dynasty during the 11th century A.D. Theses temple of Shiva as Mahanaleshwar, was a great centre of Saivism under the rule of the Chahamanas

Legend

The temple was built in the eleventh century to propagate the principles of Shaivism through the area and the people.

Architecture

The 11th century Mahanaleshwar temple, is replete with carvings, pillars, pagodas, courtyard, sculpted panels etc symbolising the West Indian style of stone temple architecture. The entrance has a seated stone lion along with a number of deities carved on the walls. All around the temple, Shiva and Parvati are depicted in various postures, surrounded by dancers, musicians, gods and animals. The main shrine dedicated to Mahanaleshwar is built in sand stone. Before the main temple of Mahanala is a Nandi enclosure.

Pic Courtesy : www.esamskriti.com

Darsan Info

Temple timings - 10.00 AM to 6.00 AM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire inside the shrine.

Famous Festival

March - Shivrathri
November - Karthik Purnima

Culture

Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Sisodia Dynasty of Mewar. Chittorgarh Fort, is the largest fort in India and Asia. It is known for its fort as well as being the land of worship for Meera.