Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha is on an isolated plateau top, in the Tehla village of Alwar, which falls in the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It is about 110 Km from Jaipur.


Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is the only surviving temple in the scattered ruins of approx 200 temples. It is surrounded by the ruined walls of the Rajorgarh Fort later known as Paranagar. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple complex that dates back to the 7th-10th century CE. The temple was built by Maharaja dhiraja Mathanadeva Bargujar, a Pratihara feudatory ruler.

It is said that the entire Shiv Ling in the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is of Blue Sapphire and there are popular stories which connects the Siv Ling to Pandavas. 

Naugaja Temple of Santinatha is situated about 100 m west of the Neelkanth.  Where on a high platform (jagati) stands a 5.33 metres (17.5 ft) tall statue of the Jain tirthankara Shantinatha, the idol is built in a Digambara style, carved in a light orangish-red sandstone and miniature shrines on the sides.  An inscription preserved in National Museum records that the temple dedicated to Santinatha was built on the 13th day of the dark half of Baisakha in the year VS 979 (AD 922-23) during the reign of Gurjar Pratihar Mahipala Deva of Kannauj and the architect was Sarvadeva of simhapadra. The temple is now protected by Archaeological Survey of India.

I had took these Pictures on 19-July-2010 after that I had tried to go there twice but the Road to reach there was so bad that I had to return from mid. Don’t know the condition of Roads right now but If you are planning to go then I will suggest go in SUV kind of car. In Monsoon time it is Must To Go Place HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Tehla village of Alwar
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Tehla village of Alwar.

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Peacock at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Peacock at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Naugaja Temple of Santinatha Tehla village of Alwar
Naugaja Temple of Santinatha Tehla village of Alwar

Naugaja Temple of Santinatha Tehla village of Alwar
Naugaja Temple of Santinatha Tehla village of Alwar

5.33 metres (17.5 ft) tall statue of the Jain tirthankara Shantinatha stands on a high platform jagati at Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
5.33 metres (17.5 ft) tall statue of the Jain tirthankara Shantinatha stands on a high platform jagati at Naugaja Temple of Santinatha.

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Archaeological Ruins at Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

Peacock on the way from Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha
Add captionPeacock on the way from Neelkanth Mahadev & Naugaja Temple of Santinatha

12 comments

  1. ...I love art and architecture and when I see things that are this old and still surviving I'm amazed. To build this today with modern equipment would be a task, but to build it back then it seems impossible. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. The images look terrific !! Pity I misses seeing these when we visited the Sariska and the ghost city of Bhandhgar.
    How lovely the details are here !!! Fantastic images Manav!!
    You will go here again I am sure :)
    Devi :)

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  3. Beautiful leaves from the history of human progress and spiritual pursuit....your brilliant photography has woven the tale in a more interesting manner...creates lots of interest to visit...regards

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  4. These are very beautiful Manav! The pillars remind me of the columnar structures found on Greek and Persian ruins but the detailing is very much ours here in Asia. Thank you so much for these wonderful photos!

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  5. These are amazing photos and I love the peacock <3

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  6. Beautiful old architecture, very beautifully photographed and provided with interesting information.

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  7. Beautiful temple, the architecture is stunning and the photos are wonderful. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day. Stay safe!

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  8. This temple is gorgeous. The intricate carvings are exquisite. It is such a beautiful place. I love the peacock. He is just so regal! Have a wonderful day.

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  9. I love all the sculpting. Lovely.

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  10. beautiful stonework, it is sad that more of it has not survived

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  11. This is a very fine place to visit and admire the old temple

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