Gondeshwar Temple: From the Earth

Gondeshwar temple, located at Sinner in Nasik district of Maharashtra, is another example of marvels of architecture. The temple was built in the 11th or 12th century during the rule of the Seuna Yadav dynasty. The temple is situated on a rectangular platform that measures 125 x 95 feet. It is in Bhumija style of architecture. The main shrine is dedicated to Shiva. The Nandi pavilion facing it is located on an elevated plinth. The temple is of Shiv in Panchayatana style of architecture. While the main temple is of Shiv, there are four other temples as well. The stone used for the construction has been excavated from the same site. The marks of the lake formed because of this excavation are still found within the complex.

Some underground tunnels were probably there in the temple. These were used by the king to reach the temple. Sinner at that time was the capital of the Yadava Dynasty.

The Bhumija style in Maharashtra is also called Hemadpanthi architecture and was documented by Hemadri Pandit, Minister of Yadav Kings Hemadpant. Bhumija is a Sanskrit word that literally means “from ground, earth, land”, or alternatively “storey”. The style has been discussed in chapter 65 of the Samarangana Sutradhara, a treatise written in 1010, during Raja Bhoj’s reign. Bhumija style is a square plan that is not divided, but instead rotated around its centre and this rotation is stopped at regular intervals as the superstructure rises vertically. By adjusting the pace of rotation and the interval at which the rotation stops, many creative variations can be implemented. Each tier is called a bhumi. In the month of September, Kiran Utsav is celebrated here in this temple.

Devotees visit the place in large numbers but the temple needs more care and attention for its preservation and protection. Along the beautiful sculptures on the temple façade the ‘I love you xxx’ is also carved by so-called lovers. When will we learn to respect our heritage?