Group of Temples, Kirmachi, District Udhampur

Situated on a small hillock between two rivulets Birhama and Kirmachi at a distance of 12 km north of Udhampur-Lander road, the group of temples are locally known as the Pandava temples. The complex consists of five temples and two small shrines. All the temples are facing east except Temple3. Temple 1,2,3 and two small shrines are build on a common raised platform, whereas the Temple 4 is on a separate and higher platform. Temple 5 is built at a lower level as compared to other temples. 

The temples on plan consist of a garbhagriha with curvilinear shikhara and an elongated antarala with a sukanasika decorated with kuta-shikhara and kalasa motif. Some of the temples have a pillared mandapa in front of the antarala, which appears to have been added at a later date. Temple 2 has an intact mandapa, whereas all other temples are survived with the remnants of mandapa. The temples are built either on triratha or pancharatha plan externally and square internally. Inner walls of the antarala have trefoil niches and a pattern of an inverted lotus flower on the ceiling under a double tiered triangular roof.

Temple 3 marks the beginning of the architectural activity at kirmachi. It is the oldest and smallest structure consisting of a square sanctum with a pyramidal roof and an antarala provide with a wagon vaulted roof. It is followed by Temple 2, more elaborate on plan and higher in elevation. Its mandapa is entered through three trifoliate arches. It is presumed that it had only plinths. Temple 4 marks the beginning of developed temple architecture at Kiramachi. A chance discovery has revealed, that it stands on earlier brick structure datable to the post Gupta period. It is followed by Temple 5, its pillars shows remnants of sculptures most probably of river goddesses. Temple 1 is most developed and elaborately ornamented. It depicts large size mouldings, niches for astadikpalas and saptamatrikas in addition to parsvadevtas.

During execution of conservation work a large number of terracotta pestles, querns coins, iron arrowheads, beads of semi-precious stone, pestles, querns and earthen pots were found. Besides, a hearth, brick-platform and mud-platform belonging to the late-Gupta period also exposed.

 Kala Dera Temple – I, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

It is also built on a high platform and preceded by a mandapa. The entrance is through a flight of steps on the east. The superstructure is missing. The temple is on the high platform, two jambs of the sanctum, the entrance way to the Mandapa and the bases of four columns. The jambs of the entrance to the sanctum have two niches each with arched tops. Between the sanctum and the mandapa is a porch which also contains two smaller pillar bases. The four massive fluted columns have recently been fixed on their bases. Externally the sanctum has both plain moulding and geometrical designs. The walls of the basement have recently been concerned. The noteworthy architectural members, lying at the site are fluted, shafts, carved ceiling with inverted lotus flowers, pedestal of images and pillar bases, besides two sculptures of dancing Siva, now exhibited in the sculpture shed. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D. 

Kala Dera Temple – II, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

The temple is Saptratha on plan externally and built on a raised platform approached by a flight of steps on the east. The sikhara is intact on the western side and externally the temple is adorned with plain projecting niches and offsets bearing carving. On the west side there is makaramukha pranala through which the water used to flow into a small rectangular cistern is carved out of a single block. The roof of the mandapa was supported on four fluted columns surmounted by capitals. 

Besides the principal entrance, facing the central aisles, it has two smaller entrances at the rear. The figures on the jambs of the door and the porch are now defaced. Basements of the other two shrines are on the south-east corner. The temple is assignable to crica 10th-11th century A.D.

Nand Babour Temple, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is built on a high platform. It has three sanctums each preceded by an antarala attached to a common mandapa. The jambs of the antarala and sanctum are carved with figures of Ganga, Yamuna, Shiva & Parvati and that of lintel with an image of Ganesa, flanked by Lakshmi and Parvati. 

The ceiling of the mandapa is rested on small fluted columns decorated with pot and foliage, motifs. Externally the temple is decorated with mouldings, ornate pedimented niches and triangles. At the northern corner a small subsidiary shrine containing an image of Ganesa has been exposed. Several loose architectural members like amalka, fluted shafts etc. are lying at the site. The temple is assignable to circa 10th-11th century A.D.

Dera Temple, Thalora, District Udhampur:

Built on a high rectangular platform, it is approached by a flight of steps on the west side. It has two principal square sanctuaries divided from each other by an ornate cell. Each of the sanctums is preceded by a porch having two fluted pillars surmounted by a very ornamental vase and floral capitals. The ceiling is of interlacing squares with expanded louts on top. The lintel and door jambs of the doorway are profusely decorated with figures. The main sanctum has makaramukha pranala. The frieze over the architrave above the columns of the porch of the sanctuary on the northern side of the mandapa contains ornamented Navagraha panel. In front of sanctum is a large pillared mandapa. The lower half of the super-structure is intact and is decorated with mouldings, pedimented niches and triangles with lotus flowers but the upper portion is missing. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D. 

Dera Temple, Thalora, District Udhampur:

Built on a high rectangular platform, it is approached by a flight of steps on the west side. It has two principal square sanctuaries divided from each other by an ornate cell. Each of the sanctums is preceded by a porch having two fluted pillars surmounted by a very ornamental vase and floral capitals. The ceiling is of interlacing squares with expanded louts on top. The lintel and door jambs of the doorway are profusely decorated with figures. The main sanctum has makaramukha pranala. The frieze over the architrave above the columns of the porch of the sanctuary on the northern side of the mandapa contains ornamented Navagraha panel. In front of sanctum is a large pillared mandapa. The lower half of the super-structure is intact and is decorated with mouldings, pedimented niches and triangles with lotus flowers but the upper portion is missing. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D.