Baauka Shiv Mandir/ Ancient Hindu Shiva (Mahadev) Mandir, Bavka,Dahod,Gujarat

Bhavka Shiva Temple is a 10th century construction in the interiors of Dahod. A small, peaceful and artistically enriched travel destination,  this temple has impressive erotic carvings on its walls and pillars. The outer wall and doors of the temple are intricately sculpted with the images of different celestial bodies. The sculptures depicted on the walls are graceful and attract attention for their intense detailing.

Shiva temple is located at Bavka in Dahod district of Gujarat, India. It is situated on a mound near Hiralao Lake between Baga and Chandavda villages, 14 km from Dahod.

History

It was built during the reign of the last Chalukya ruler Bhima II (r. c. 1178 – 1240 AD). Archaeologist Madhusudan Dhaki has placed this temple after the Neelkanth Mahadev temple of Miyani (VS 1260, 1204 AD). But there is an inscription dated VS 1290 (1234 AD). According to local legend, it was built by a devadasi (temple dancer) in a single night. It was damaged by Mahmud Ghaznavi. The temple remained neglected for years and many of the temple artefacts were stolen. The temple is inscribed as a Monument of National Importance (N-GJ-77) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It was restored by ASI in 2009.

Architecture

The temple is an example of Maru-Gurjara architecture. It is an east facing panchayatana type temple complex, consisting of a central temple with four subsidiary temples in four directions.

This temple is considered to be the best temple of its time. The temple built of sandstone is now in ruins. It stands on a platform (jagati) and is stylistically similar to the temple of Sunak, although larger in size. The hall (Rangmandap) is also ruined. The lattice work and the curvature of the small horns of the shikhara resemble those of Miyani which helps in establishing its date. Other contributing factors include the types of sculptures and decorations. The dwarf pillars of the hall (mandapa) are simple. The roof of the temple has been destroyed. Fragments of the collapsed spire and hall are scattered nearby.

The outer walls and gates of the sanctum sanctorum are filled with carvings of deities and divine beings (Apsaras). It has many erotic sculptures, due to which it got the name Khajuraho of Gujarat.