Description:
This marvellous temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was begun in the 12th century, but was never completed. The core of this temple was nearly complete in 1142, but sculptural embellishments continued for another three generations, and the shrine remained incomplete, when the Khiljis in 1310 and the Tughlaqs in 1327, invaded and plundered the town.
The Nandi, mount of Lord Shiva, pose a life like gait. The fabulous friezes deeply carved on the schist, cover the entire exterior, giving the most prolific exhibition of scenes and motifs. The lowest motif depicts some 2000 elephants with riders, each in a different stance, horses, mythical beasts and floral motifs. The 280, larger images of deities, mostly female, are heavily bedecked with ornate jewellery and fabulous garments.
