The pillars of the rangamandapa (open type of pillared hall) feature a variety of motifs which are used to decorate these pillars. The square pillars are adorned with the purnaghata kalasha (vase of plenty), an auspicious decorative motif commonly found in Indian temples. The other motifs include a grassamukha, also known as kirtimukha (face of glory), as well as a leaf and beaded loop motif and a half medallion filled with flowers and birds.
The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) can be accessed through a doorframe which is carved with the figures of river Goddess and dvaralapalas (door guardians) at the bottom and the trinity—Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma on the lintel. The dvarashakas (architraves or doorjambs) are plain except for one, which shows a floral design.
The frontal pediment of the shikhara (superstructure) of the mukhamandapa (front porch) depicts locked doors, which is the most distinct element of the pediment, used here as a decorative motif. These closed doors represent the types of wooden doors that were used in the region during this period. The depiction is noteworthy as it also depicts a variety of heavy locks which were used in the old havelis of Rajasthan. Such representation of doors and locking systems is rarely found in temples, making the presence of these elements as decorative motifs in this temple particularly unique.
The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), square in shape from the inside, features a distinct round or ghata (pot-shaped) linga, from which the temple derives its name, Ghateshvara. On the rear wall, a niche with an udgama (pediment of interconnected chaitya dormers) is fixed, housing a figure of a deity (currently without a head). Adjacent to it is another sculpture of a four-armed Goddess. The sculpture of this Goddess may belong to a later period, as her appearance differs from other sculptures in the temple.
On the north wall of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), Chamunda is depicted with multiple arms, standing on a human body. All her arms are broken except her upper three arms, one of which is carrying a shield. She has a halo around her head with flying celestial shown on both sides of her halo. She has a jatamukuta (crown of matted hair) decorated with a human skull. Her face is damaged, but one can see bulging eyes. She has a thin body with shrivelled breasts and a sunken belly.
The south face of the sukanasa (antefix above the roof of the kapila) shows a monkey sitting on a pedestal just above the balcony scene. The monkey is depicted eating fruit, with a noteworthy expression featuring large, bulging circular eyes and an open mouth. There are many temples in which animals are depicted. As monkeys are notorious in nature, they are mostly shown jumping and climbing but here, these actions are not depicted. Rather, the monkey is shown seated alone, peacefully eating a fruit, which makes it a unique representation.
The top portion of the pillars of the mukhamandapa (front porch) shows couples engaged in different activities such as love-making, dancing, and tender gestures such as a male figure removing a thorn from his partner’s foot and kissing. On the proper right pillar of the mukhamandapa, one panel shows a couple carrying weapons and embracing each other. The couple is flanked by beautiful female figures holding garlands and scarves.
The pillars of the mukhamandapa (front porch) show youthful and charming sursundaris (celestial damsels) with captivating beauty. While many of these figures are badly damaged or lost, the intact figures show the voluptuous bodies of these sursundaris, covered with translucent, fine pieces of cloth, standing on lotus flowers. Their appearance is further enhanced by the jewelleries and elaborate hairstyles.
The antarala (vestibule or antechamber) is a rectangular passage that connects the mukhamandapa (front porch) and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The ceiling of the antarala is beautifully adorned with three square frames aligned in a row. Each of these square frames is decorated with a full-blown flower.
The mukhamandapa (front porch) of the Ghateshwar Temple has an entry through an intricately carved makara-torana (ornamental arch adorned with intricate carvings of mythical crocodile creatures). The torana (ornamental arch) shows makara (crocodile) on each end. These makaras are being attacked by knights with a sword in their mouth. The floral bands emitting from the mouths of the makaras form a pointed arch, above which musicians are shown seated, playing musical instruments, and singing. At the apex, a kirtimukha (face of glory) flanked by two flute players is depicted.