Adbhutanath Temple

Adbhutanath Temple in Chittorgarh is situated near the Thar Desert. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located within the fort of Chittorgarh. Located near Padmini Palace it was built much later. On one side of the temple the tourists will find Mahasati, the cremation ground of the Rajputs and on the other side is the Vijaya Stambh. The way Lord Shiva is presented here is splendid. In very few place in India has the lord been presented in such a way.

The temple has been intricately carved. It reflects the love of the Rajputs for grandeur. Here the lord is also popular as Adbhutanata Shiva. It is believed that the god is probably represented as Trimurti. It is that form of Shiva where he is seen in a feminine form, Vamadeva and in fierce form, Aghora. He can also be presented with Lord Brahma and Vishnu. At the Adbhutanath Temple in Chittorgarh he is seen in this form. As one enters the temple he will come across the figure of Nandi carved out of stone facing the idol. The temple has been built in true Rajasthani style. Standing on several pillars and displaying a `chura` or `shikhara` it is a beauty to behold. On the walls of the temple several images of gods and goddesses have been carved. One of them is the image of Goddess Parvati playing flute.

Inside the temple a passage leads to a hollow dimly lit room that will guide on to the roof. The interior of the marble temple of Adbhutanath Shiva is well lit. The idol of the lord has two bright eyes. That is the way He is presented here. Probably this is why He is known as adbhuta or strange. When a devotee enters the temple he or she will be completely astonished.

This little marvel is thus an interesting place of interest in Chittorgarh.