This interpretation could explain the use of brick in the temple of Bhitargaon, built in the 5th century, a period when one of the symbolic connotations of a temple consciously included the idea of an altar. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
The worship of the living ascetic, a tradition deeply rooted in Indian culture, influenced early temple architecture. Cave 10 at Kondivate, where the Buddha is represented by a stupa, and housed inside a likeness of a hut in stone.
Dikapalas (gods of cardinal directions) are also depicted on the walls of the antarala (vestibule or antechamber) of the Sitaleshwar Temple. One of the dikapalas is Varuna, depicted alongside his vahana (mount) Makara (crocodile-like sea creature). The ocean god is portrayed with two arms, holding a noose in his right hand and a water pitcher in his left.
A depiction of Lakulisa, a preceptor of the doctrine of the Pashupata tradition of Shaivism, is found inside a niche on the lalatabimba (lintel). Seated in padmasana (lotus pedestal pose), he holds a danda (staff) and phala (fruit) and wears a yajnopavita (sacred thread).
The antarala (vestibule or antechamber) of Shiva Temple 1 is completely plain and simple. There are two niches on the lateral sides. The antarala leads to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The door of the garbhagriha is plain, and there is no figure on the lalatabimba (lintel).
In the north elevation of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of Shiva Temple 1, all the niches are empty at present. The shikhara (superstructure) of the temple has collapsed with time and only remnants of stone blocks can be seen.
Shiva Temple 1 is situated near the revered banyan tree. The temple is a small structure with an antarala (vestibule or antechamber) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The shikhara (superstructure) of the temple is in ruins.
Carved on the northern wall of the antarala (vestibule or antechamber) of the Sitaleshwar Temple is the figure of Shiva seated in lalitasana (the royal position or position of royal ease) on a lotus pedestal. Shiva is accompanied by Nandi on his right. Shown with four arms, Shiva holds a trishula (trident) in his upper right hand and a sarpa (snake) in his upper left hand. In his lower right hand, he grasps a pushpa (flower) while his left-hand holds a kamandalu (water carrier or pot). Adorned with jewelry, Shiva, with flowing locks, has a halo behind his head.