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.
On the proper left side of the doorframe, the river Goddess Yamuna is depicted standing on a pedestal, with her vahana (mount), a kachhapa (tortoise), shown on the same pedestal. Next to her, a Shaiva dvarapala (door guardian) is depicted with his two attendants, one male and one female. Beneath this, a niche is carved, featuring a figure of Kartikeya with three heads, holding his weapon, the spear, in front.
The mukhamandapa (front porch) is an open hall with a magnificent entrance dominated by a makara-torana (ornamental arch adorned with intricate carvings of mythical crocodile creatures). The pillars of the mukhamandapa are carved with the figures of sursundaris (celestial maidens) and passionate couples, symbolizing the worldly realm. This stands in contrast to the main sanctum where the divine resides in darkness.
The centre of the rangamandapa (open type of pillared hall) has a low-raised platform with pillars that support the central ceiling. Presently, a Shiva linga without a yonipatta (womb-shaped base for the linga) is placed at the center of this square platform. The Shiva linga may have been a later addition to the original design of the rangamandapa.
Interestingly, the floor of the mukhamandapa (front porch) of the Ghateshwar Temple is engraved with numerous inscriptions. On paleographic grounds, it can be observed that the inscriptions on the floor are heterogeneous and belong to different periods. Their lack of sequence or order further suggests that they belong to different time periods.
The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is comparatively plain and simple, except for the ceiling, which has a square shape with four-armed bharavakas (weight bearers) positioned at each corner. Their upper arms are raised upward to support the roof, while their lower arms carry weapons and an attribute. The square shape of the ceiling transitions into a circle, resembling a full-blown lotus, with a lotus bud hanging from the centre.
The shafts of the front pillars are adorned with loops of bells and hanging bells. The pillars are adorned with the graceful standing figures of sursundaris (celestial maidens) which are currently broken and damaged. The figural panel at the top of the cushion abacus depicts sursundaris, dancers, and couples.
The ceilings of the rangamandapa (open type of pillared hall) are intricately carved, presenting a variety of ceiling types and motifs. One of the rectangular ceilings depicts a full-blown lotus, with the figure of a divine couple at the centre. The male deity is shown seated, holding his attributes and embracing his consort, who is shown seated in his lap. The central flower is surrounded by four small flowers, each also depicting a divine figure at the centre.