Menal Shiva temple complex
Ancient Temples
Mahanaleshvara temple
Menal was a huge surprise for us – our driver mentioned, on the way to Bundi that he knew of an interesting temple that we could visit.
We expected it to be crowded as usual, but the surprise was that it was completely deserted.
There are two main complexes, separated by a river, which was barely a trickle when we went in may, but which must be impressive during the monsoons as it plunges over 120 meters into the gorge below.
When we were here, there were a handful of Indian tourists and a scattering of cows searching for what they could to eat among the parched ruins.
The main temple is in very good condition, given that it was built in the 11th century and the sculptures and carvings are fabulous.
Maha Nal
The name, ‘Menal’ comes from ‘Maha Nal’, meaning ‘great gorge’, which, when we walked to the edge made us giddy as it is a sheer 120+ meter drop to the bottom.
Some of the older temples here date back to the 8th century and they seem as if all of the elements to rebuild them have been set out to rebuild them again as the floor is strewn with blocks and statues.
The two main complexes are reached through a set of steps going down to the river, which is through a doorway in the walls, which I would guess many miss. In fact, I would guess that many tourists miss this place altogether as ther are none of the usual souvenir shops and queues of tourists waiting to get in.
It is just off of the Golden Triangle on the way from Chittorgarh to Bundi in Rajasthan and is well worth a visit.
The temples complex was built by Someshvar Chahamana and his queen Suhavadevi, the older temples across the river apparently were built by the Queen and the main temples by the King.
The temple complex is in the middle of nature, with trees and scrub all around, in fact the only thing that can spoil a good photo here are the telephone aerials a short distance away.
What to see
Strolling around the complex, you are hit by the sheer ornate beauty of the carvings and statues in and on the temple and people still come here to worship and give offerings to Lord Shiva.
It is a quiet place, which makes it ideal to contemplate the marvels of the building work, which was completed so long ago.
This was, apparently, the favourite mountain retreat of King Prithviraj Chauhan, to escape the scorching Rajasthan summers – we were here in May and it was really hot, but we realised the relative cool of this place when we returned to the planes of Rajasthan.
Getting there
Menal lies about 2 hours from Bundi and just over an hour from Chittorgarh on a quiet mountain road.
Apart from the temple complex and the promise on the way up of seeing leopards and elephants – there are warning signs everywhere about not getting out of your car because of this, there isn’t really that much to see, but there are some lovely views on the way up and down.
Where to stay & eat
We did not stay here, but we had tea at the nearby hotel and restaurant that has a great view of the waterfall – the tea was good and the people in the restaurant were very friendly.
We did take their card, as this looks like a good place to stay for a future trip though.
There are some snacks and drink stall here, but not many and there is a sort of café opposite the main entrance to the temple complex which serves hot & cold drinks and snacks – we had samosas and masala chai here, which were very good, whilst we chatted with a little girl and her baby monkey.
Drop us a line by email
Start a conversation with us, we are really friendy and would love to hear from you.
contact@twofrogstravel.com
More photos of Menal
Menal Temple side
Menal Temple side
Menal Temple
Menal Temple
Menal Temple complex
Menal Temple complex
Temple Monastery in Menal
Temple Monastery in Menal
Riverbed temple Menal
Riverbed temple Menal
Temple remains Menal
Temple remains Menal
Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Carvings details at menal temple
Carvings details at menal temple
Carved pillar Menal
Carved pillar Menal
Carvings in the temple at Menal
Carvings in the temple at Menal
Ceiling details in Menal
Ceiling details in Menal
Ceiling detals inside Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Ceiling detals inside Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Ceiling supports in Shiva Temple Menal
Ceiling supports in Shiva Temple Menal
Elephant statue Menal
Elephant statue Menal
Main Shiv Temple Menal
Main Shiv Temple Menal
Main temple from the side Menal BW
Main temple from the side Menal BW
Main temple from the side Menal
Main temple from the side Menal
Main temple stone details Menal
Main temple stone details Menal
Main temple structure Menal
Main temple structure Menal
Mena Shiva Temple
Mena Shiva Temple
Menal Temple side 1
Menal Temple side 1
Menal Temple 1
Menal Temple 1
Nandi Bull Menal
Nandi Bull Menal
Offerings in the temple at Menal
Offerings in the temple at Menal
Partly ruined temple at Menal
Partly ruined temple at Menal
Riverbed temple Menal 1
Riverbed temple Menal 1
Sculpture Mean
Sculpture Mean
Sculptures at Menal
Sculptures at Menal
Shiv Temple Menal
Shiv Temple Menal
Shrine inside Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Shrine inside Mahanaleshvara temple Menal
Stone carvings Menal
Stone carvings Menal
Temple Monastery in Menal 1
Temple Monastery in Menal 1
Temple dancer sculpture at Menal
Temple dancer sculpture at Menal
Temple entrance Menal
Temple entrance Menal
Temple remains Menal 1
Temple remains Menal 1
Temple ruins Menal
Temple ruins Menal
The Shiva Temple at Menal
The Shiva Temple at Menal
Way into the temple complex Menal
Way into the temple complex Menal
