Harshnath

Harshnath
Harshnath

Location of Harshnath temple in Rajasthan
Name
Other names हर्षनाथ्
Geography
Coordinates 27°31′0.7″N 75°11′0.2″E / 27.516861°N 75.183389°ECoordinates: 27°31′0.7″N 75°11′0.2″E / 27.516861°N 75.183389°E
Country India
State Rajasthan
District Sikar
Location Harshnath
Elevation 900 m (2,953 ft)
Culture
Primary deity Lord Shiva

Harshnath (Hindi: हर्षनाथ्) is an old Hindu temple situated in the Sikar district of the Indian state Rajasthan. It is 14 km from district headquarters Sikar.[1]

Introduction

Harshnath, outer view

It is an ancient site famous for the ruins of old Shiva temple (10th century) located on the high hills called Mt Harsha of Aravali.[2] It was developed by first Singhraj, the erstwhile Emperor of Ajmer. The original temple was made in 973 AD which was later destroyed by Mugal Emperor Aurangjeb in 1679 AD. In 1718 AD, Rao Shivsingh made a new temple adjacent to the old temple using the ruins of the old temple.

History

This Shiv temple, according to an inscription dated 973AD, was built by the Shiv ascetic Bhavarakta, during the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja I. It is surrounded by various shrines which lie in ruins.[3]

Architecture

Harshnath Temple pillars

The temple & its surrounding shrines are now in ruins. The main temple faces east. Its pillars are profusely carved. On the inside west wall is carved a figure of standing Parvati [labelled Vikata] in panchagnitap along with her female attendants.[3]

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Harshnath.

References

  1. ↑ "Districts of Rajasthan, Sikar District". www.rajasthandirect.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  2. ↑ "Harsh Nath Temple Sikar". Urban Improvement Trust, Sikar. Retrieved 6 September 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Archeological Survey of India, Jaipur circle". Archeological survey of India. Retrieved 6 September 2014.