Details of the makara torana (ornamental archway flanked by crocodile-like mythical creatures at both ends) and frontal pediment of the shikhara, of the mukhamandapa (front porch), Ghateshwar Temple.
The ceiling of the mahamandapa (pillared hall) rests on eight elaborately carved tall pillars. Each pillar has a square base, transitioning into a shaft that changes from square to octagonal in the middle and finally becomes circular at the top. Above these are architectural moldings, a shaft that supports the capital, and carved bharvahakas (mythical flying load-bearing figures). Notably, the square portion of the shaft of each pillar in the mahamandapa is carved with a niche on each of its four faces. Within these niches are sculptures portraying various figures, including apsaras (celestial damsels), yogis (ascetic), or royal figures in acts of veneration and in one case, a four-armed Bhairav.
The central hall of the mahamandapa (pillared hall) in the Bisaldeo Temple is embellished with eight beautiful makara toranas (decorative arches or gateways flanked with crocodile-like mythical figures on each end). The toranas (decorative arched gateways) are crafted to give the illusion of doorways suspended by the extended snouts of two makaras (crocodiles) at each end.
Unlike other apsaras (celestial damsels) carved on the shaft of pillars, this particular figure is unique. She is crowned and holds a cup in her left hand, while her right hand holds something dipped in the cup. Similar images from the Harshnath Temple Complex depict a cup being held, symbolizing the nectar of bliss attained after the completion of tantric sadhana, while the fingers of the other hands are sometimes dipped into the cup. However, connecting this obscure image of a damsel with tantric connotations might lack substantial support.
The only significant depiction of the divinity of Shiva is found in the form of a four-armed portrayal of Bhairav on a temple shaft near the entrance of the temple, within the mandapa. It is the first religious image encountered upon visiting the temple. He is adorned with a serpent necklace, but other identifying attributes have deteriorated over time. His heavily bejewelled naked body reveals his genitalia.
The representation of a dancing Shiva or Natesha is depicted in the niche on the cornice above the pillar of the mandapa (pillared hall) of the Bisaldeo Temple.