Kalachuri Mandir Parisar (Amarkantak) | archaeological site, hindu temple, 11th century construction

 archaeological site, hindu temple, 11th century construction

History:
The history of the area goes back to 8th century A.D. when Shankaracharya built a Surya-Kunda to specify the origin of river Narmada. He also installed the idol of lord Shiva at Pataleshwar. The traditions aver that although an idol was installed by the Great Guru, The Pataleshwar Temple was build later by Kalchuri king “Karna Deva” (AD 1041-1073). The construction of the “Karna Mandir” is also attributed to the same king, whose name it bears. In most of the temples here “Shiva” is enshrined as the main deity.

Architecture:

The group of temples here namely the Pataleshwar Temple, Shiv Temple, and Karan Temple besides others belong to the “NAGARA STYLE” of architecture.

The Pataleshwar Temple has “Panchratha Shikhra” and a pyramidal “Mandapa”.

The Shiv Temple adjacent to Pataleshwar is also based on similar plan and elevation.

The extent portion of the Karan Temple shows ornate “Shikhras” and “Kapili” members.

The architectural plan of shrines at Karan Temple Complex shows that there was different phases of construction spread over many decades.