Harshnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. It is 14 kilometres from the district headquarters in Sikar. The temple, located in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, is a significant Hindu religious site. The temple is more than 900 years old and is located on a 3,000-foot-high hill near Harshagiri village.

The original temple was destroyed in 1679 AD by Mughal Invader Aurangzeb. However, in 1718 AD, Rao Shivsingh built a new temple adjacent to the old temple using the remains of the old temple. An inscription written in the form of a legend on a black stone found in these temples begins with Shivastuti. This temple houses Shivling’s sacred abode, and various religious ceremonies and rituals are held here for devotees.

Significance of Harshnath Temple

The Harshnath temple is important in Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural science that emphasises the harmony of human habitation and nature. The temple’s architectural grandeur and serenity inspire devotees to participate in religious ceremonies with reverence and devotion.

History related to Temple

The construction of the temple began on Ashada Shukla Trayodashi, Monday 1030 Vikram Samvat (956 AD), and was completed in 1030 Vikram Samvat (973 AD) during the reign of Vigraharaj Chauhan. During the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja I, the Shiva ascetic Bhavarakta constructed this Shiva temple. It is surrounded by ruins of various temples. The main temple is oriented east. There is a sanctum sanctorum, antarala, rang mandap with classroom, and a separate river mandap in addition to the Ardha mandap at the temple.

The temple provides an excellent view of the surrounding area, which is why visitors can climb the beautiful Aravalli and enjoy the views. The temple is thought to be over 200 years old, the original temple was destroyed in 1679 AD by Mughal Terrorist Aurangzeb.

However, in the year 1718 AD, Rao Shivsingh built a new temple adjacent to the old temple using the remains of the old temple. The temple’s surroundings are breathtaking, and the temple’s presence has made Sikar one of Rajasthan’s most important religious sites.

The architecture of Harshnath Temple

The temple and its campus are now built on ruins of various Hindu temple which was destroyed by Mughal Invader Aurangjeb. The main temple is oriented east. It has intricately carved pillars. A figure of standing Parvati in panchagnitap with her female attendants is carved on the inside west wall.

Despite its disrepair, the main temple is known for its extraordinary constructions and exquisite carvings on its pillars. The temple was built in the style of Hindu temples, so it faces east, which is considered an auspicious direction because sunrises come from there. The construction plan is based on the Pancha Ratha or (Five Chariots) temple, which is connected to a central mandapa known as the ranga mandapa and four central pillars are joined together in adjacent positions.

This Shiva Harshnath temple is built in the Mahameru style and is located on Harshagiri. This temple was built by a Shaiva saint Bhavarakta during the reign of Chauhan ruler Vigraharaja I, according to an inscription from Vikram Samvat 1030 (AD 973). The internal arena’s structure is made of kakshasana railings, which are headed by a separate place of the Nandi or the Bull, which is known as Lord Shiva’s carriage-Nandi mandapa is made in the same alignment.

The pillars are abundantly and beautifully carved, and the interior temples are sculptured with a central image of standing Parvati on the western side engaged in panchagnitapa or the bath of fire with her female attendants, which is displayed in a beautiful and convincing poetic manner.

Facts about Harshnath Temple

• Harshanath temple is located in the place named Harshanath in Mt.Harsha in the Aravalli Hills, in the district of Sikar, in the state of Rajasthan, India.
• This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is approximately 14km away from the district headquarters of Sikar.
• As per the available inscription, the original temple dates back to 973 CE and is said to have been built by Bhavarakta during the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja II.
• The temple provides an excellent view of the surrounding area and that is why the people who visit this place can climb the beautiful Aravalli and enjoy the views.
• Harshnath temple is based on the North Indian Hindu temple architectural styles and patterns.
• The prayer hall and its pillars are very profusely carved with images of local Gods and Goddesses.
• On the West wall of the temple complex, a figure of standing Parvati is beautifully carved.
• Harshnath temple is largely known among the local people, adherent devotees and pilgrims for the grand celebration of Mahashivarathri in a religious manner.

Best Time To Visit

This temple’s journey can be taken at any time of year. All of the time, the weather is warm and hospitable. But the months of October to February are the ideal time to visit the Bineshwar Mahadev temple.

Famous Festivals In Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Shravan Month – This month is considered the holiest month for lord Shiva devotees.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in the Indian Hindu calendar.

How to Reach Harshnath Temple

The Harshnath Temple is located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan.

By Air: Jaipur International Airport at a distance of nearly 134.2 kilometres from Harshnath Temple. To get to your destination, you can take a bus or a taxi.

By Railway: Sikar Junction railway station at a distance of nearly 22.2 kilometres from Hashnath Temple. To get to your destination, you can take taxis or cabs.

By Roadways: The road networks connect Harshnath Temple well. Harshnath Temple is one of the best places to see around Sikar, which is situated at a distance of just 14 km away from the main city.

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