The Baroli Temple Complex, also known as the Badoli Temples, is located in Baroli village in Rawatbhata town in Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan, India. They are one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan.
The complex is located close to the rocky bank of the Chambal River, southeast of Kota, on the outer limits of Rawatbhata town. Set around a natural fountain, they are positioned in two zones amid a forest containing Peepal, Kadamba, mango, and Jamun trees. The complex of eight temples is situated within a walled enclosure; an additional temple is about a kilometer away. They were built during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara rulers in the Pratihara style of temple architecture dated to the tenth century A.D. All nine temples are under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India for conservation and protection.
The Ghateshwara Mahadev temple is not just the oldest, but also the largest temple in Baroli. It was built in the early parts of the 10th century CE, and the temple is believed to have got its name from the unusual ghata or pot-shaped lingam installed there. The main temple structure comprises the Garbhgriha and the Mukha Mandapa, a front Mandapa or hall. Here Shiva has depicted in the form of five linga and one linga appears like an inverted ghata or pot. The sanctum has a ceiling in the form of a large blossoming lotus. The Sringar Chauri or Ranga Mandapa (the hall of dance) is situated just outside it. Both the exterior and interiors of the temple, including the ceiling, are exquisitely carved.
The Shiva temple in the temple tank has a sanctum with the divine linga in the middle of the sacred tank. The portico in front of the sanctum is a single bay built with pillars. Trimurti temple is also a Shiva temple that has a sanctum topped with an elegant shikhara in Nagara architectural style.
Ashta Mata temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga (Mahishasuramardhini) with a Pancha Ratha-style sanctum topped by ten-tiered shikhara, built in the Nagara style. It has beautiful sculptures of dancing Maheswari and Parvati. The temples dedicated to Ganesha and Mahishasuramardhini are located next to the main temple and are much smaller in size with only a porch and the Garbha Griha. The Vamana Temple is the smallest of all the temples in Baroli and has a flat roof, instead of a spire. Baroli Temple complex has a small stepwell, which is believed to be of the same age as that of the temple complex itself that is 11th-12th century CE.
Baroli Temple, Bundi Timings: 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M
Baroli Temple, Bundi Entry Fees: Nil
