VITHALDEVA

These ancient brick structures and remains of ruined Hindu and Jaina temples, datable to circa twelfth-thirteenth century A.D. are located between two hillocks, about 1 km south-west at Vithal Deva. A Hindu temple, facing east, is built on a raised plinth which is approached by a flight of steps.  This nirandhara temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala, gudhamandapa  with two lateral transepts and mukhamandapa.  The pitha mouldings are carved in stone whereas the superstructure above the pitha  is made of bricks.  The garbhagriha, square in plan with two side niches, has no image inside.  Its interior is plastered and painted.  The door-jambs are plain with a Ganesa figure carved as lalatabimba.  The lateral niches of the antarala are lying vacant.  The gudhamandapa, square below becomes octagonal at the top to support a domical ceiling.  The sikhara of the temple is of the northern type.  The Jaina shrine, situated about 100 m north of the Hindu temple, is in a dilapidated condition.  The sikhara  of the temple is damaged.  It faces west and consists of garbhagriha, antarala, sabhamandapa  and mukhamandapa.  The temple is identical in plan and elevation but its Jaina dedication is known from a seated image of tirthankara carved as lalatabimba.