The Kiradu group of Temples near Barmer in Rajasthan is an epitome of Indian art carved in stone.
Of the many temples built in the 11th century, only 3 remain and 2 are in perfect condition.
The third one is a bit damaged, yet the most beautiful of those that exist to date.
I reached Barmer, pronounced as बाडमेर, from Jaisalmer and the 157 km of national highway #68 is one of the finest stretch of roads anywhere in India. Kiradu is a further 40 km from Barmer city and the road right up to the temple gate is in tip-top condition.
Also. there is plenty of parking outside the main entrance gate.
The entry fee is INR 50.
The temple is completely made using interlocked reddish-yellow sandstone blocks and does not use any mortar, lime, or other adhesive to put it together.
The best part is the ornate and detailed carving on the temple walls.
Kiradu was a prosperous town during the 11th and 12th centuries with the Parmar, Solanki, and Chauhan dynasties ruling in succession.
The temples are built in the Maru-Gurjar style with a GarbhGruh or Sanctum sanctorum, an Antaral, a MahaMandap, and a DwarMandap.
Each of these sections is decorated with sculptures and artistic motifs.
The Hindu architecture style of temple-building uses fractals that look appealing because they are self-repeating patterns of diminishing sizes.
Note how the temple canopy is made of its own tiny replicas that repeat themselves over the entire structure.
Some plots are lying vacant indicating temples stood here but collapsed or were destroyed over time.
The components of the temples lie scattered all over the place and some of which are on an open display on a stepped platform.
Here are the nicely decorated pillars of the MahaMandap.
Here are some more views of the MahaMandap.
The carvings on the pillars are 3-dimensional and one can see through the carvings.
These are carvings on the Mahirap of the main Garbhgruha.
This is a close-up view of the Mahirap that depicts several stories carved on it.
Here are some more architectural marvels all carved in sandstone.
The photo below shows the temple as a truly glorifying reminder of our rich heritage.
Here’s the carving of an imaginary animal that resembles a cross between a lion and a crocodile.
At the pedestal are Conch Shell or Shankh carved in stone which gives positive energy when entering the main temple.
Also carved are Kichaks that are strong creatures upholding and bearing the load of the Mandap over their head.
Two other smaller temples also survive and are built on their own pedestals.
The complete temple complex is accessible via well-paved cobbled pathways that have benches on the way to rest.
Monument Tips
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The Summer season from April to September is not the right time to visit the Kiradu temple.
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Carry a lot of drinking water even in the Winter season which is from November to February as the area is dry and you need to walk a lot.
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Do carry some fruits or biscuits as there is only one small village on way from Barmer to the temple.
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Do carry some fruits or biscuits as there are plenty of wild and domestic animals who would look up to you for their daily food and you don’t want to disappoint small puppies, monkeys, goats, and similar lovable animals that quickly gather around you at the main entrance.
Have you been to a temple or place of worship that had nicely decorated walls and ceilings?
I’d love to see a photo of it and also your experiences at the place.
Until then… Happy Guiding ?
Accessibility Features
The temple is fully accessible right from the parking outside right up to the main Garbhgruh so there was no problem for the differently-abled to take the darshan. Also, accessible toilets/washrooms are available.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Ramp Access.
A wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
A wheelchair-accessible Parking.
A wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
. Thank you so much 
…