Details of the shekhari type (multi-spired) shikhara (superstructure) of the Bhandasar Temple. The bands on the cardinal directions of the shikhara have three rows of aedicules, which are miniatures of the actual shikhara. At the bottom of these miniature shikharas are motifs of elephants and vyala (mythical composite figures). At the topmost level, all these vertical bands are capped by a ribbed disc known as the amalaka.
The enclosure wall and the main entrance gateway are designed like Nagarkhana. This is the sole entrance to the Bhandasar Temple Complex, which can be reached via a flight of steps. The mulaprasada (main temple) is towering inside the enclosure wall.
Main entrance opening of the gateway with an elaborate dwarashakha (architrave or doorjamb). The lintel of this entrance has an image of a Jina and floral motifs on the band above the lintel. Inside the foliated arch design that frames the gateway, there is an inscription which provides the date of the temple's construction. The inscription, on the entrance gate, above the lintel, states that in 1464/1514 CE (VS 1521/71) the Bhandaprasada was built during the reign of Rao Lunkaran. The date is not clear. The inscription is copied here from the inscription in the antarala (antechamber) of the temple.
Close-up of the inscription on the entrance gate, above the lintel. The inscription states that in 1464/1514 CE (VS 1521/71) the Bhandaprasada was built during the reign of Rao Lunkaran. The date is not clear. The inscription is copied here from the inscription in the antarala (antechamber) of the temple.
The foliated archway with fluted pilaster column motifs on either side leads into the temple. Beyond the archway are two transepts puncturing the inner walls of the entrance gateway.
The entrance gateway of the Bhandasar Temple on the inside, connects to the enclosure wall of the temple complex. The enclosure wall has merlons on its edge and diminishes in height from the gateway.
A ruined platform stands south of the main Bhandasar Temple, in front of the Adinatha Temple. The south-facing side of the platform has a staircase. The purpose of this platform is not known.
The Ghateshwar Temple has a rangamandapa (open type of pillared hall used for ceremonial rituals) on the eastern end of the east-west axis, which is larger than the mukhamandapa (front porch). The rangamandapa also known as Shringara Chaori has low base mouldings on which large number of pillars stands, supporting the phamsana shikhara (pyramidal superstructure).
The shikhara (superstructure) of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is made in the latina (vertical mono-spire) style. The bhadra (central offset) and pratibhadra (offset flanking bhadra) of the shikhara are profusely carved with chaitya (dormer windows) arches and the karna (corner offset) is decorated with chaitya arches and amalakas (crowning member of the latina shikhara shaped like a myrobalan fruit).
The ceiling of the mukhamandapa (front porch) is square in shape and intricately carved with floral motifs and figures of gods accompanied by their consorts. The corners of the ceiling are decorated with half-lotus medallions. The inner square repeats the same pattern and the innermost square depicts lobbed arched four-petal flowers at the centre and on each side. Notably, the corners of the innermost square feature depictions of Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, and another deity with their consorts, flanked by female attendants.