The Mandakini Kund reflects the vast skies, with birds in flight, and the temple spires creating a peaceful scene. One can see the depiction of a deity on the wall, which may have been a later addition.
The doorframe of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is adorned with two female figures, while the central positions on either side are occupied by Shaiva dvarapalas (door guardians). Completing the ensemble is the figure of Kubera, the God of wealth.
The doorframe of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) has two floral shakhas (vertical bands or branches), a central dominant stambha shakha (pillar-shaped branch) with a purnaghata kalasha (vase and foliage), and an outer shakha adorned with vyalas (composite mythical creatures) arranged in a vertical chain.
The exterior wall of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Hazareshwar Temple presents a blend of bhadras (central projections) and stambhas (pillars), creating a captivating visual tapestry. The bhadras, intricately carved on the cardinal directions, serve as focal points of the structure’s architectural elegance, while the stambhas fill the spaces in between.
The frontal face of the shikhara (superstructure) reveals the placement of two half spires flanking the main spire. At the base of the spire, a surasenaka (pediment made of chaitya dormer) adorns the structure, while a sculpture depicts a simha (lion) pouncing upon an elephant, adding a touch of regal splendour to the architectural composition.
Nataraja dances to the rhythm of celestial drummers. He is poised in the urdhvajanu posture, his left foot firmly grounded while his right leg is raised and folded inward. He is depicted with multiple arms adorned with various weapons and attributes. In his upper hands, Nataraja holds a sarpa (snake), a damaru (drum), and a pointed weapon, possibly a shula (spear) or a trishula (trident), symbolizing his mastery over cosmic forces. His frontal right hand is raised near his face in a gesture epitomizing the essence of his divine dance. Despite his broken left hand, Nataraja’s pose continues as he extends his front left hand in the gajahasta gesture, reminiscent of an elephant’s trunk. He is adorned with a jatamukuta (crown of matted hair) and ornaments, including circular earrings, broad necklaces, bangles, and anklets. His lower body is draped in a translucent dhoti with a sash hanging between his legs. Two drummers are carved at the bottom on both sides, adding a touch of celestial rhythm to this tableau.
Chamunda, with twelve arms and standing atop a human body, is depicted on the bhadra (central projection) of the antarala (vestibule) of the Hazareshwar Temple. Her visage is characterized by skeletal features, dried saggy breasts, and a sunken belly adorned with a scorpion. She is draped in a triangular loin cloth and wears a jatamukuta (crown of matted hair) with a skull motif. Rounded earrings adorn her large earlobes, and serpents coil around her neck and ankles. In her right hand, she holds a trishula (trident), damaru (drum), arrow, a broken staff, and a ghanta (bell). Her left hands clasp a sarpa (snake) and a broken weapon. She holds a bowl in front. Below her, a seated human figure is depicted, drinking blood trickling from a severed head into a bowl.
Seated on a pedestal, Vishnu is depicted on the bhadra (central projection) of the rear wall of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). He possesses four arms and carries his divine attributes: a gada (mace) and a chakra (discus) in his upper hands, and a shankha (conch shell) in his lower left hand. His lower right hand extends in the varada hasta (boon-giving gesture), bestowing blessings to devotees. Vishnu is adorned with a kiritamukuta (cylindrical crown associated with Vaishnava iconography) upon his head, complemented by large earrings. A broad necklace rests on his chest, while a heavy girdle accentuates his waist. His wrists are adorned with bangles, and his feet with anklets.