Mahānāleśvara

temple, Menāl, India

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June 30, 2026

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The Mahānāleśvara temple is located in Menāl, India, and dates to around the 11th century. It is an example of the bhūmija style of temple architecture, which originated in the Malava region and spread to other areas, including Rajasthan. This style is characterized by its śikhara (spire) which is based on a stellate plan. The Mahānāleśvara temple is one of several important examples of this style found in Rajasthan, alongside temples in Jhālaprātān, Rāmgarh, and Bijoliā. These temples are dedicated to Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism.12

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South Asian arts
Medieval temple architecture: North Indian style of central India
…the north in Rājasthān, the Mahānāleśvara temple at Menāl (c. 11th century), the Sun temple at Jhālrapātan (11th century), the Śiva temple at Rāmgarh (12th century), and the Ėṇḍeśvara temple (12th century) at Bījoliān are important examples. To the west, in Gujarāt, are temples at Limkheda and Sarnāl of the…
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…the north in Rājasthān, the Mahānāleśvara temple at Menāl (c. 11th century), the Sun temple at Jhālrapātan (11th century), the Śiva temple at Rāmgarh (12th century), and the Ėṇḍeśvara temple (12th century) at Bījoliān are important examples. To the west, in Gujarāt, are temples at Limkheda and Sarnāl of the…
Read More