GHATESHWAR TEMPLE

Badoli, situated not far from the bank of river Chambal, has a group of eight temples around a natural fountain and a ninth one, about a kilometre away. They all pertain to the developed Pratihara style of temples of the tenth century A.D. Of these temples, four are dedicated to Siva, two to Mahishamardini Durga and one each to Vishnu, Trimurti and Ganesa. Three temples, respectively dedicated to Siva as Ghatesvara, Mahishamardini and Trimurti have preserved their stately single spired nagara sikharas, two have partly preserved sikharas, clustered by anga-sikharas, another two have much damaged brick-built sikharas while two shrines have completely lost their superstructures. The Ghatesvara temple stands out in the Badoli group pertaining to the Pratihara style of circa tenth century as a grand and ornate structure comprising a pancharatha sanctum, antarala and mukhamandapa resting on six pillars and entered through a makara-torana. This is the only local temple to show sculptured niches on the jangha harbouring Andhakantaka, Nataraja and Chamunda which, like the figures on the lintel of the doorway, are stately. The semi-nude surasundaris in supple dance postures, carved on the front pillars of its mukhamandapa are notable pieces of art. While its sanctum has a circular ceiling relieved by a large lotus blossom, its mukhamandapa ceiling has a concentric form adorned with coffered cusps.