Temple architecture & carvings
Built in the Nagara style of western India, the temple is a sculpted scripture: every band of stone, from the plinth to the kalash, tells a story to those who walk around it.
Architecture gallery
The carved gopuram and shikhara Stone sculptures on the gopuram
Stone carvings
The outer walls carry friezes of elephants, horses and musicians at the base, the avatars of the Lord in the middle band, and celestial dancers (apsaras) above.
- Over 1,200 carved panels
- Local pink sandstone, dressed by hand
- Scenes from the Ramayana on the south wall
The shikhara
The curved Nagara spire rises in clusters of smaller spires (urushringas) to the amalaka and the golden kalash, symbolising Mount Meru.
- Height 21 metres above the plinth
- Nine tiers of urushringas
- Gold-plated kalash and flagstaff (dhwaja)
Marble pillars
The sabha mandap stands on 52 pillars. The central ring is of white Makrana marble, carved with bells, chains and lotus capitals.
- Octagonal central dome with a lotus ceiling
- Pillars rebuilt in 1783 on the 12th-century bases
- Acoustics that carry the aarti across the hall
Heritage conservation
The Trust follows national conservation guidelines: original material is kept wherever possible, only lime-based mortars are used, and every intervention is documented.
- 2017Condition survey
A 3D laser scan and a stone-by-stone survey map cracks, salt damage and earlier repairs.
- 2019Cleaning and consolidation
Soot and paint layers are removed with poultices; weak stone is consolidated with lime.
- 2023Drainage and lighting
Roof drainage is restored and warm LED lighting replaces heat-producing lamps near the carvings.
- OngoingMonitoring
Crack gauges and humidity loggers are read every quarter by the conservation architect.