• Photo feature includes about Dharmarajeshwar Cave temple, Mandsaur links with Ramayana and similarity with Ellora. How to reach? What else to see in Mandsaur?  

Images by Omkar Singh. Text compiled from various sources by Sanjeev Nayyar.

16 Temple view of Dharmarajeshwar temple.

Introduction taken from MP Tourism site

“The Dharmarajeshwar temple is a monolithic structure carved directly from a solid natural rock.”

“The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though history suggests that it was a testament to the devotion towards Lord Vishnu. The main temple is surrounded by seven smaller shrines, each holding pratimas of various deities, including Lord Bhairava, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Parvati. 

“The intricate carvings on the entrance gate, featuring Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, showcase the artisans' attention to detail and devotion to their craft.”

“Surrounding the main temple are caves and smaller shrines that add to the site's mystique. These caves, also carved out of the same rock, serve as meditation halls and living quarters.” 

“It is believed that the first rays of the sun reach the garbhagriha, illuminating the shivalinga, a phenomenon that has been occurring for centuries.” 

“Like the Kailashnath temple in Ellora, the Dharmrajeshwar temple is carved out of a hill from top to down. It is 9 metres below the ground.” 2 There are about 200 caves close to the temple.

“The temple has a garbh-grih with a Sabha mandap and Shikhar. The spire of the shrine is in north Indian style. A big pyramid shaped temple stands in the middle which is 14.53 m tall and 10 m wide.” 3

Period built 8^th to 9^th centuries A.D.  

What are Dharmrajeshwara Temple measurements? Outlook Travel Magazine

“The temple construction dates back to the 8th century. The Dharmrajeshwara Temple is a 50-metre-long, 20-metre-wide, and 9-metre-deep monolithic structure carved out of solid natural rock body of a hill.” Outlook link

What is Mandsaur’s connection with the Ramayana and Ravana’s wife?

According to MP Tourism site, “Mandsaur's connection to the Ramayana lies in its association with Mandodari, the wife of the legendary king Ravana. It is believed that Mandodari hailed from Mandsaur, making it her hometown. This intriguing connection adds a touch of mystique to the region, as devotees are drawn to the Pashupatinath Temple to explore the lineage and heritage of this enigmatic queen.” Source link

What to see in Mandsaur?

Besides the Cave Temple see, “Laduna Palace, Sitamau Palace, Dashapura Fort, Sondhni Pillars, Buddhist caves, and prehistoric painted rock shelters. The revered Yashodharman Pillar at Sondhni stands as a magnificent testament to the rule of King Yashodharman, who once expanded his influence across northern India. A stop at the Yashodharman Archaeological Museum is recommended, as it preserves exquisite sculptures unearthed from Hinglajgarh Fort.” MP Tourism

Close to Mandsaur: Within and around the town, other noteworthy attractions include Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary with its scenic forested landscapes, and the tranquil Telia Talab.” MP Tourism

According to Outlook, “Attend the Chambal River Floating Festival on the Gandhisagar Dam in Mandsaur. Mandsaur Fort dates back to the 6th century and serves as a tribute to the region's cultural legacy.”

How to reach Cave Temple, Mandsaur

By Air/Taxi: It is about 190 kms from Udaipur (Rajasthan) and 210 kms from Indore. Both connected by air.

“By Road: Dharmarajeshwar Temple is located approximately 80 km from Mandsaur city. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mandsaur to reach the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Shamgarh, which is about 22 km away from the temple. From Shamgarh, you can hire a taxi or take local transportation to reach Dharmarajeshwar.”

To know more click on MP Tourism site link. For Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur (considered a replica of the one in Kathmandu) click

For video on Cave Temple (6 minutes)

For Dharmarajeshwar Temple pics esamskriti is grateful to Omkar Singh.

Kailasa Temple, Ellora.

11 Temple front view. Depth is 9 metres, carved from rock top down like Ellora.

12 Temple, rear side view. See small shrines on 4 temple corners and next to main temple. 

13 Suraj Pole takes you to the temple.

14 Side view. Small temples have murty of Lord Bhairava, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Parvati etc.

15 Side view. Temple is 50-metre-long, 20-metre-wide, 9 metre-deep monolithic structure carved out of solid natural rock body of a hill.

17 Temple Entrance.

18 Sculptures. It is hard stone, not soft like one finds in Hoyasala Temples of Karnataka.

19 Close-up of structures on main temple.

20 Overview Dhammar Caves, 51 in number.

Design reminds me of Kailasa though it is a smaller version. Surely, worth a visit.

Also read

1. Article on Cave Temple

2. Op India article on Cave Temple

3. For another article on Cave Temple

4. Temple probably made during Pratihara Rule. They made Teli ka Mandir Gwalior, Osian Jain Mandir, Bateshwar Morena that one knows. To read about Pratiharas

5. Dhammar Caves in Mandsaur

6. Good write up on Dhammar Caves

7. Kailasa Temple Ellora album

8. Masrur Rock Cut Temples Kangra, Himachal Pradesh are known as the region’s Ellora