Jatoli Shiv Temple An Architectural Wonder

Asia’s Highest Temple of Lord Shiva Jatoli An Architectural Wonder. 

Jatoli Shiv Temple is very famous shiv temple perched on hill tops of Solan in Himachal Pradesh. This monument is an architectural marvel and the famous sacred place which attract a large number of pilgrims. It is considered as one of the oldest and highest temple in Asia.

HISTORY

Jatoli Shiv Temple has historical significance in Indian history. This temple reflects the beauty of Indo-Aryan architectural design as well as spirituality and religious faith. Several stories are associated with the history of Jatoli Shiv Temple. One of the legendary beliefs is that Lord Shiva visited this temple and rested here for one night. After that it is named as Jatoli Shiv Temple. Jatoli signifies the long Jatas of lord Shiva. Jatas means long hair. Many other beliefs also supports that this temple was a sleeping place for Lord Shiva.

At Jatoli an ancient Linga was placed. It is made up of transparent glass like structures comprising Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. This Linga is very unique and beautiful. And the architectural design of temple is marvelous.

Marvelous Architectural Design

The Jatoli Shiva temple is made in typical Indo – Aryan architecture where the top tower is round with a curvilinear outline which ends into a tip. The tip of such temple is decorated with golden kalash. Later the temple is modified in slight Dravidian Style.

The temple is made of three consecutive pyramids. The top part of the temple architecture is called Shikhar. The height of the pyramids has been architectured in ascending order. The Second part of the temple is called Vimana which is little lower than Shikhar pyramid. On the base of first pyramid, Lord Ganesha is seated while on second pyramid there is a sculpture of Shesh Naag. On the base of third pyramid Trishul is placed distinctively on each side.

Apart from Lord Ganesh on top pyramid, Shesh Naag on second pyramid and Trishul on base of the third pyramid, many god and goddesses sculptures also placed on front and lateral sides of the temple.

The Pinnacle of temple is situated on main part of pyramid at the height of 111 fts and thus, getting a tag that highest temple in Asia. It took almost 39 years to construct this temple and now, it remained as one of the significant and sacred temple in Indian history.

Importance of Jatoli:

Grand and Spectacular Jatoli Shiv temple.
Marvelous Architectural Design of Shiva temple.
Shiva-Lingam draped in silver and made up of transparent material.
Jal Kund, on the northeast corner of the temple.
Cave inside the temple.