temple temple meaning great god cave largest ornate hindu temple medieval temple group found india considered best examples temples preserved medieval period india location located district village temple complex spread area square kilometres western village west temple temple complex village elevation metres connected road rail air services miles south miles away city east miles away kilometres away north kilometres south east delhi kilometres railway station served code services delhi mumbai kilometres temple history capital temple best examples temples preserved medieval period india largest western group temples complex built rulers chief deity temple temple said built king ruled periods reign dynasty famous temples dedicated hindu religion religion built known recordings muslim historian credited building temple powerful ruler fought offensive launched battle conclusive return waged war attacked fort siege fort unsuccessful lifted called truce parted exchanging gifts celebrated success rulers building temple dedicated family deity inscriptions temple mentions builder temple interpreted pseudonym construction dated period extant temples including temple inscribed criterion iii artistic creation criterion culture popular till country invaded muslims features temple metres height western complex largest groups complex temples western group temples consisting temples compared cosmic design representing forms temple architecture towers terminates feature common 10th century onwards temples temple founded massive metres height temple structure planned detailed superstructure built steep mountain shape form symbolic said mythical source creation world superstructure richly decorated roofs rise grand form terminating miniature temple layout square kilometres extant including temple built plan feet length feet width main tower soaring height feet called largest temple series steep steps high rise lead ground level entrance temple layout temple design temples complex right entrance carved sculpted single stone entrances hindu wedding procession carvings entrance gate shows quality stone character symmetrical design view entire temple high relief carvings finely decorative quality ornamentation sharp inscribed lines strong angular forms brilliant dark light patterns carvings circles giving geometric patterns masks lions uniform designs created pleasant picture unique temple complex interior space entrance halls rise height width inclusive small chamber dedicated chamber wife central literal meaning chamber emblem surrounded passages inadequate natural light little light creating cave like atmosphere total contrast external parts temple interior halls temple exterior faces carved sculptures gods musicians huge pillars halls architectural features vine motif corners halls carved surface patterns main tower towers shape semi rounded stepped form progressively greater height main tower encircled series towers smaller size form repeated miniature central core gives temple cut similar shape mountain range mount god resides appropriate theme temples exterior surfaces temples entirely covered sculptures vertical layers horizontal carved images shine bright sun light providing rhythmic architectural features images gods heavenly beings god fire prominent erotic sculptures fitted round major attraction visitors erotic sculptures finely carved flanking couple frequently noted motif male figure suspended upside posture kind pose head sculptures mother gods seven fearful protector include seated swan eyes seated bull mounted headed lion headed slayer demons
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple