The Kumbha Shyam Temple is a Vishnu temple built in 1449 AD by Maharana Kumbha which is located in Chittorgarh city of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is known for its impressive pillars and beautiful idols. Kumbha Shyam Temple is a Hindu temple located inside Chittorgarh Fort, 350 metres from Kumbha Palace and 6 kilometres from Chittorgarh Railway Station. It is a popular temple in the Chittorgarh Fort Complex and one of the Chittorgarh tourist attractions.

Originally, the deity was Lord Vishnu’s Boar Incarnation (Varaha), which is still present, but after its destruction during the Muslim invasion, most likely because the original deity was lost for a time, the new deity, Kumbha Shyam, was installed. Kumbha Shyam Temple is also as large as Kalika Mata’s temple and occupies a similar location near the ancient palace. The sculptural details on this temple’s plinth facade are similar to those on the Kalika Mata Temple.

Significance of Kumbha Shyam Temple

Kumbha Shyam Temple, named after Rana Kumbha, is one of the most visited temples in the region. Kumbha Shyam Temple, also known as Kumbhaswamini Temple, is a one-of-a-kind temple dedicated to the Varaha Avatar of Vishnu, the Boar. In the 16th century, this temple was built in the typical North Indian Nagar style of temple architecture, with carvings all over.

The temple is currently dedicated to Lord Vishnu, but the prominence of Shakti images in it, particularly on the plinth, which is part of the original construction, leads some historians to believe that it was originally a ‘Shakti’ temple rather than a Vaishnavite temple.

History of Kumbha Shyam Temple

The Kumbha Shyam Temple, located within the legendary Chittorgarh Fort, was built in the 8th century by possibly the Guhilas of Medapata, with some work done by the mighty Paramaras, and finally renovated by Maharana Kumbha in 1448, the master builder dominates the surroundings with its grandeur, rich ornamentation, and magnificent carvings and detailing.

Maharana Kumbha is regarded as one of the finest architects of the 15th century, possessing a profound understanding of ancient Hindu philosophy and treatises, particularly the Shilpa Shastra. As a result, it is unsurprising that every structure he erected is nothing short of spectacular.

The architecture of Kumbha Shyam Temple

The temple has a compact Indo-Aryan architectural style. The temple has an unusual pyramid-like roof and a tall tower. The temple is elevated on a plinth. There is an open pradakshinapath, ardha-mandapa, main mandapa, antarala, and garbhagriha in the temple.

Inside the temple, there are fascinating sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple also contains sculptures of the land’s eight rulers. Garuda’s image stands beneath the canopy, facing the temple. The Kumbha Shyam Temple’s mandapa has a pyramidal roof. While the Shikhara at Garbhagriha is tall, there is a Pradakshina path or circumambulation path that circles the sanctum.

This place’s walls are also intricately carved. Varaha’s image in the temple can only be seen from the back of the Garbhagriha. A new image of Krishna and Balaram has been placed in the main sanctum, which is decorated with colourful clothes in a very modern style.

Facts about Kumbha Shyam Temple

• The Kumbha Shyam temple is one of Chittorgarh’s most popular temples, as well as one of the best-preserved Chittorgarh Fort Temples.
• The Rana Kumbha Temple, named after him, is one of the most visited temples in the region.
• Kumbha Shyam Temple, also known as Kumbhaswamini Temple, is a one-of-a-kind temple dedicated to the Varaha Avatar of Vishnu, the Boar.
• The temple was built in the 16th century with the typical North Indian Nagar style of temple architecture, with carvings all over.
• Meera Bai worshipped privately at the Kumbha Shyam Temple. She spent many hours here in devotion to Lord Vishnu. With her personal share of wealth, she fed the poor and visiting pilgrims.
• Meera Bai was a Guru follower from the holy city of Varanasi. The Kumbbha Shyam Temple has a Chattri dedicated to her guru, Swami Ravidas, also known as Swami Raidas. The footprints of Guru Ravidas have been preserved in this pilgrimage site.
• Every inch of the temple is lavishly decorated with gods and goddesses, musicians, apsaras, sages, panels depicting Hindu scripture stories, auspicious Hindu iconography, floral and foliage patterns, and repetitive linear elements.
• Intricate carvings adorn the ceiling panels both in the centre and around them. The main shrine is topped by an imposing shikhara, and the pillared mandapa houses an extremely rare idol of Lord Garuda.
• The sculptured walls will captivate you as you enter the temple. It also has images of various Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as eight regents.
• The archways are also visually appealing. They are embellished with intersection loops and designs. The temple also has an inner sanctum.

Famous Festivals In Kumbha Shyam Temple

• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.

Best Time to Visit Kumbha Shyam Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Kumbha Shyam Temple

The best time to visit the Kumbha Shyam Temple is between November and February, and during Janmashtami which is celebrated grandly here.

By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, which is 97 km away from Kumbha Shyam Temple.

By Rail: The nearest convenient railway station is Chittorgarh Railway Station, which is 6.5 km away from Kumbha Shyam Temple.

By Road: State Transport Bus services connect Chittorgarh with Bhopal, Indore Gwalior, Jaipur and others. The nearest bus stand is Chittorgarh Bus Station, which is 4 km away from the temple.

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