Samadhisvara Temple

The Samadhishvara Temple Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva who is the destroyer aspect of the Hindu trinity of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a massive three-headed Shiva idol. This idol rises from the ground and almost covers the entire wall. It may be noted that this Trimurti idol showcases three different demeanours of Shiva and is not to be confused with the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.

The third eye of Shiva can be seen on all three heads. The face on the left has a fierce expression and is believed to portray the fearful Aghora aspect of Shiva. The central face seems to have an expression of sardonic humour while the face on the left is composed and has an aura of serenity. Six hands can be seen, one of the hands is raised in Sarpa Mudra, while the other hands hold different items associated with Shiva symbology that includes the Rudraksha, and the Matulunga fruit.

History Of The Samadhishwara Temple
The history of the Samadhishvara Temple, Chittorgarh, goes back to the 11th century when it is believed the original temple was built by the Parmara king Bhoja. However, there is a theory that suggests that the temple pre-dates Bhoja. But it is generally agreed based on various inscriptions found in Chittor and other places that the original temple which was known as Tri-Bhuvana was built in the 11th century and was restored and enhanced many times over the next 5 centuries.

Some theories also believe that the original idol was that of Shiva with five faces and that this was destroyed in the aftermath of the siege of Chittorgarh by Allaudin Khalji at the beginning of the 14th century. The theory also goes on to say that in the 15th century a king named Maharana Mokal Singh restored the temple and had the current idol installed. Maharana Mokal Singh was none other than the father of one of the greatest rulers of Mewar, Rana Kumbha, after whom Kumbhalgarh is named. The Samadhishwara temple is hence also known as Smidheshwar Mahadev – Mokalji Temple, or simply Mokalji Temple. Locals refer to the temple as Mokalji Temple, Chittaurgarh or even Smidheshwar Mahadev.

The reference to Samadhishvara is also found in inscriptions in many nearby temples as well as the Kirti Sthambh in Chittorgarh. Samadhiswara refers to the deity Shiva in a meditative posture.