10 Lesser known ancient temples of Maharashtra

1. GONDESHWAR, SINNAR, DIST NASHIK an 11th-12th century Yadava era temple It features a panchayatana plan; with a main shrine dedicated to Shiva; and four subsidiary shrines dedicated to Surya, Vishnu, Parvati, and Ganesha

2. KOPESHWAR, KHIDRAPUR, DIST KOLHAPUR

Built in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE., the temple is full of beautiful sculptures and artistic representations. The open to sky roof structure of Mandapa is a special feature of this temple

3. AMRUTESHWAR, RATANWADI, DIST AHMEDNAGAR

An intricately carved Shiva temple, located on the banks of a lake in Ratanwadi. This beautiful temple was built by the rulers of Shilahara dynasty in 9th century CE. The shikhara over the shrine is intact and is very ornamental, while the roof of the mandapa has disappeared leaving the inner lintels of the ceiling.

4. SHIV TEMPLE, ANBARNATH, DIST THANE

The Shiv Mandir of Ambarnath is a historic 11thcentury temple, still worshipped Unusually, the sanctuary or garbhagriha is below ground. The roof over Garbhagriha is imcomplete Bhumija structure

5. TRIVIKRAM TEMPLE, TER, DIST DHARASHIV

The oldest standing structure of Maharashtra, this temple is believed to be built by Satvahana dynasty in 2nd or 3rd century This is one of the only two apsidal structure temples in India, and represents one important milestone in the temple architectures The temple is dedicated to Vamana avatar of Vishnu

6. ANANDESHWAR, LASUR, DIST AMARAVATI

One of the most interesting, and yet lesser known temples of Maharashtra Build by the Yadavas in 13th century, this temple is built using blackstone. The open to sky roof of Manadapa of this temple is a very unique feature. There are three Garbhagrihas and an open mandap in the middle The plan commonly followed by many Chalukya era temples

7. DAITYASUDANA, LONAR, DIST BULDHANA

Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 9th century by Chalukyas. The temple looks like an irregular and asymmetrical star This place of worship has beautiful carvings on its walls. The idol itself is built with an ore and looks like it is made of stone.

8. MARKANDA MAHADEV, CHAMORSHI, DIST GADCHIROLI

Markanda Mahadev Temple Complex is situated at the banks of the Wainganga River near Chamorshi town. This 8th century Rashtrakuta era temple is called as Khajuraho of Maharashtra, because of the carvings in intimate couples. This temple complex is spread over 40 acres of land and many temples are in a dilapidated condition.

9. NAGNATH, AUNDHA, DIST HINGOLI

The Shiva temple is said to have been built by the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty and dates to 13th century. The temple has many beautiful sculputues The temple was dectroyed by invadors and repaired by Ahilyadevi Holkar of Indore The temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (12 sacred shrines dedicated to Shiva).

10. BHULESHWAR, YAWAT, DIST PUNE

The Bhuleshwar Temple is 45 kilometres from Pune. The temple is situated on a hill and was built in the 8th century. The temple has many beautiful carvings and sculptures, mostly in broken state now. Among them, interesting one is an idol of Ganesha in female attire. It is popular as Ganeshwari or Lambodari or Ganeshyani