Devrani Jethani Temple Complex

A Rudra Shiva statue excavated from the temple is placed in situ, and various parts of its body are represented by animal figures as well as human heads.

Due to the lack of a foundation inscription or other epigraphical evidence regarding its construction, the dating of the temple complex is based upon the architectural style.

Historian of Indian art Donald Stadtner dates both the temples to around the same time, approximately 525–550 CE.

This view is also supported by the fact that the reliefs on the entrance of the Devrani temple are more refined.

In the course of the excavations, the scattered fragments of the Jethani temple were studied, and some were placed in the Bilaspur museum.

In 1988, the massive Rudra Shiva sculpture was unearthed from beneath the Devrani temple, which is now placed in situ.

[7] It consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (antechamber), and a small mukhamandapa (pavilion).

The positions of these niches on the northern and southern wall correspond with the centers of the sanctum and the antechamber.

The upper section features an image of Gajalakshmi at the center, flanked by two elephants and vidyadhara couples.

In the lower section, the Kankala incarnation of Shiva is depicted in the center, with attendants on either side.

[13] The moustache is composed of two fishes, while the lower lip and chin are formed by a crab.

[13][3] The Jethani Temple is in ruins, and its plan is ascertained from the remains of pillars and sculpture scattered across the site.

[15] Among the ruins, several Shaivite sculptures are found, including those of Kartikeya, Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, and Nandi.

Entrance of the Devrani temple
The elaborately carved doorway
The statue of Rudra Shiva excavated from the Devrani temple
Ruins of the Jethani temple