
Gondeshwar Temple of Mahadev
The temple of Aeshwar is architecturally rare and does not correspond to the other temples of the Maharahstra in carving and decoration. It is erected on a high platform facing east. It consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, nandi mandapa and outer mandapa. The nandi mandapa and outer mandapa are supported with eight pillars decorated lavishly. Garbhagriha is enshrined with Shivalinga. A very common motif of the Calukyan temples is the Gajalaksmi which graces the lintel of the door-jamb of the shrine. Above it is an image of Sheshasayin and a frieze of Saptamatrikas another usual Calukyan feature. So also in the nine sunken squares of the flat ceiling are the Astadikpals which is not a common feature of the temples in the Deccan. At the entrance of the antechamber is a makara torana which is the most superb piece of carving, probably represents Natesa figure in the centre of the foliated decoration. The temple probably built during the reign of Seunachandra II or his son Airammadeva between 1075 and 1100 AD.