Information of Harshnath Temple, Sikar, Rajasthan

Harshanath temple is located in the place named Harshanath in Mt.Harsha in the Aravalli Hills, in the district of Sikar, in the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India. It is at an elevation of 2,953 ft or 900 m. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is approximately 14km away from the district headquarters of Sikar. According to the local legends and religious scholars, the original Lord Shiva temple was made in 973 AD. It was further developed by the erstwhile Emperor of Ajmer, the first Singhraj. In 1679 AD, it was destroyed by Mugal Emperor Aurangjeb. Rao Shivsingh made a new temple using the ruins of the old temple established it adjacent to the old temple in 1718 AD.

Harshnath Temple Religious Significance

The Lord Shiva temple or Harshnath Temple has inscription dated 973AD and cites that it was during the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja by the Shiv ascetic Bhavarakta I. at present, this hilly region is largely surrounded by several temples which lie in the statues of ruins. In the main temple, most of the religious affairs such as regular poojas, homams, yagnas are still conducted as per the age-old Vedic rules and regulations with a lot of perfection without any type of deviation under any given situations and circumstances. It is to be noted that climbing this hill in order to reach the temple situated on top of the hill is a hilarious task but still adherent devotees and pilgrim take this difficult task as a devotional duty and responsibility. They reach the top of the hill in order to have a wholehearted darshan of the Lord in decorated form for daily religious rituals. The temple is appointed with vast experienced and well-qualified priests who suggest the people for indulging in right type of religious affairs, functions and activities at this shrine.

Harshnath Temple Architechture Significance

Harshnath temple is based on the North Indian Hindu temple architectural styles and patterns. It doesn't have any shades of Rajasthani Hindu temple features in it. The main temple faces towards the East direction. In the prayer hall, its pillars are very profusely carved with images of local Gods and Goddesses. On the West wall within the templ;e complex, a figure of standing parvati is beautifully carved. It is labeled as Vikata in Panchagnitap. The goddess is seen along with her female attendants. There are few sub-temples in the surrounding of the main sanctum. The size of the sub-temple is much smaller than the main sanctum. It is to be remembered that the idol of Lord Shiva is installed on the raised platform in the main sanctum. The ceiling and flooring of this shrine really looks so simple and beautiful in many aspects. The wood door of the main sanctum has attractively carved floral design pattern in it. There are many fleets of step on the hilly route that assist the devotees and pilgrims to climb this hill without any difficulty. This temple has all the features related to Hill Top Hindu temple to a great extent.

Festivals at Harshnath Temple

Harshnath temple is largely known among the local people, adherent devotees and pilgrim for the grand celebration of Mahashivarathri in a religious manner. At this temple, all the Lord Shiva related auspicious days and festive days are celebrated in a grand manner. The Shiva pooja is the major attraction of this shrine. Most of the people attend this pooja with keen interest along with their family members, relatives and close friends. It is to be remembered that most of the religious affairs are conducted as per the auspicious time of the specified day at this shrine.