The dvarashakha (architrave) of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the side shrine, in the Triple-shrine Temple, is an ornamental feature. It is a trishakha (three vertical bands) variety of which the innermost shakha (band or branch) has a depiction of ganas (celestial beings), next to which is mithuna shakha (band of amorous couples), and the outermost is a patra shakha (foliage band). The threshold of this dvarashakha has foliage motifs flanked by vyalas (composite mythical animal creatures). The lower portion of the dvarshakha has a depiction of attendants and river goddesses. Vishnu on his mount Garuda is depicted on the lintel of the dvarashakha.
The latina shikhara (mono-spire superstructure) of the side shrine of the Triple-shrine Temple still has two bhumi khandas (tiers) on its south-facing elevation. All the latas (bands) of the shikhara are composed of combinations of gavaksha (dormer window) designs. The east-facing side of the temple has a protruding shukanasa (projection over the entrance of the sanctum) which is connected to the main shikhara and acts as the superstructure of the mandapa (pillared hall) of the temple. The corner bands of a latina shikhara are called venukosha. This is made up of tiers of diminishing sizes. Each of these tiers is separated by a flat ribbed disc known as the amalaka.
Seen here are the details of the latina shikhara (mono-spire superstructure) of the side shrine from the Triple-shrine Temple. It consists of a broad band as the madhyalata (central band), which is made up of a mesh of gavaksha (chaitya dormer motifs) stacked up in an ascending order. As the shikhara tapers upwards, the chaitya dormer motifs diminish in size. The base of the shikhara is also made up of protruding moulding along with a decorative recess. The bands flanking the madhyalata are thinner and made up of half the designs of the chaitya dormer.
The kapili wall of the side shrine of the Triple-Shrine Temple has a small low-relief devakoshtha (niche) with the depiction of the couple. This wall portion has small aedicules as the shikhara (superstructure), which are similar to the tiers of the main shikhara. The kapili has a ceiling wall connected to it which cantilevers to its east side. This is supported by two slender pillars having a ghatapallava (vase with foliage) motif.
This is the front elevation of the temple with the shekhari shikhara in the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. The temple is in ruinous condition. Seen here are the architectural fragments of the temple which are lying in the vicinity of the temple. The mandapa (pillared hall) of the temple has fallen leaving behind only the outer stone frame.
Three small shrines in the southwestern quadrant of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. One of these is a single-shrine latina-nagara (mon-spire) variety temple consisting of a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and a mandapa (pillared hall), and two are just square single-cell temples with a phamsana shikhara (pyramidical superstructure). The walls are bereft of any ornamentation.
A visitor may enter through the elaborate doorframe/architrave of the gateway (pratoli). It has intricate designs on the shakkhas (vertical bands), sculpture at the bottom and an image of a seated Lakuslisa at the centre of the latatabimba (lintel). The Lakuslisa figure is holding a club in hand. The doorframe has depictions of Shaiva dvarapalas (door guardians) on both sides.
This is a view of the interiors of the semi-open pratoli of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. The central passage is flanked on both sides by verandahs with ruchaka pillars with square shafts. The pillar bases are carved with divine figures.
The lower portion of the doorframe of the entrance gateway, of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex, is detailed and has three sculptures: one attendant and two river goddess figures. Below these sculptures is the ratnapatta (plinth with diamond motif).
The enclosure wall of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex that starts from the pratoli (entrance gateway) on both sides can be seen here. The two-storeyed gateway is adorned with pyramidical canopy roof.