Kakanmath Shiva temple near Gwalior - a charming dilapidated Hindu temple!!

Kakanmadh temple, near Gwalior, MP instazu.com

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Kakanmath temple, near Gwalior storgram.com

 Above image: Captivating animal at the gate of archaeological museum in Gwalior. It's one of a pair of lions  taken from Kakanmath temple, Sihoniya, Madhya Pradesh, 11h century........ ...........
  The ruined Kakanmath temple is rich in sculptures and nicely carved  stone images.  Though it is in a dilapidated state, the entire edifice has irresistible charm that no body can ignore it. Lots of tourists visit this historical heritage site that stands still  today in spite of the damages it suffered in an earthquake in the past.

Close to Gwalior at Sihoniya (Morena District)  in Madhya Pradesh, India is located a strange-looking Hindu temple dedicated to one of the trinity Gods Shiva.  Built by the Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirttiraja ( (r. c. 1015 -1035 CE) in the 11th century, what you see  now is a ruined part of an original temple complex called  Kakanmath temple. The inscriptions  found at the Sas-Bahu Temple in Gwalior confirm this. From the inscriptions we understand that the ruler commissioned an extraordinary temple primarily dedicated to the lord of Kailash  at Siṁhapānīya (modern Sihoniya). It is said that the original complex had a main temple surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. What is left out is only the remnants of the  central temple . As for the outer walls, the tower balconies, etc., they  became ruined and fell apart. Reason: It is postulated that the damage to the temple complex was caused by an earthquake. The Shiva temple was excavated from the huge mounds of rubble dirt. Though the tower  of the temple appears damaged, its majesty and elegance will certainly leave a lasting impression on the visitors. The temple is a monument of national Importance  listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Kakanmadh temple, near Gwalior, MP Pinrest com

Kakanmadh temple, near Gwalior, MP storgram.com/

According to an inscription (1393-94 CE) in Sanskrit in the pillar, the renovation of this temple  was done by one Durgaprasada. Yet another pillar inscription - A 1497 VS (1440-41 CE) records the visit of a pilgrim named Dekhana (the son of Kakaka, and a resident of Nalapuragaḍha) during the reign of Dungara (a Tomara ruler of Gwalior). Standing  on  an ornate base (pitha), the temple, like other Hindu temple, has a garbagriha/sanctum, a vestibule, and two halls (gudha-mandapa and mukha-mandapa). The sanctum has a prathakshana path (prakara/circumambulatory path)  with three transepts. There are lateral transepts, and four clusters of pillars in the gudha-mandapa; the vestibule has four pillars in a row, that are well-aligned  with  four clusters of the gudha-mandapa. The shikhara (tower) of the shrine is not higher than 30 m and it looks as if  it is out of  a distinct shape. Besides, the impact of an earthquake, the tower appears to be well corroded due to prolonged exposure to the vagaries of weather.  The outer and inner entrances seem to be well preserved and are in alignment. Massive ornate pillars at the entrance welcome the visitors. The steps at the entrance had two large lion statues, which are now located at the entrance of the Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. 

Kakanmadh temple, near Gwalior, MP instazu.com/loca.instazu.com

Shiva linga in the foreground. Kakanmadh temple, near Gwalior, MP instazu.com

Though the entire structure appears to be shaky as if it is ready to fall at any time, it stands upright for a long period.  Folk legend has it that, the temple was named "Kakanmadh" after Kakanavati or Kakanade, who was the queen of one Surajpala. The other version is name of the temple  refers to the kanak (gold) and maṭha (shrine). According to a myth, this temple was built by some mystical powers, sort of genies over a short period.
http://www.mysteryofindia.com/2016/04/awe-inspiring-shiva-temple-kakanmath.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakanmath