A few kilometres east of Udaipur, in Rajasthan, Lake Udai Sagar appears as a tranquil expanse of water. However, hidden in the wild vegetation, the ruins of ancient temples emerge, in particular one dedicated to Shiva.
History and Origins of the Lake
Lake Udai Sagar was built in 1565 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the same ruler who founded Udaipur. It was constructed by building a dam on the Berach River to provide water to the city and surrounding villages. Since its creation, the shores of the lake have become sacred places and are home to three temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
However, on 24 January 1680, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb visited the lake and ordered the destruction of these shrines. The reason, linked to the emperor’s iconoclastic policy, was to reduce the influence and power of Hindu places of worship. Many temples were irreparably damaged, and what we see today are surviving or partially reconstructed remains.
The Meaning of the Temple of Shiva
Shiva, in the Hindu tradition, is the “Destroyer” and “Regenerator” of the cosmic cycle: the one who dissolves to create anew. In the temples dedicated to him, the central element is the lingam, an aniconic symbol representing universal energy. The faithful bring offerings of water, milk, flowers and bilva leaves, asking for protection and renewal.
The temple near the lake’s outlet, now partly covered by vegetation, still preserves traces of this cult: idols inside, signs of votive paintings and fabrics hanging from trees as offerings or votive gifts.
Architecture and Style
These temples feature elements typical of the Nagara style, widespread in northern India:
– Pyramid-shaped shikhara (tower), although here it has partially collapsed.
– Mandapa (entrance hall) supported by carved columns.
– Carved decorations with divine figures and floral motifs.
– Use of local sandstone, which is warm in colour and resistant but subject to erosion.
The engravings, although eroded by time, depict mythological scenes and religious symbols. Many details are still recognisable, especially on the columns and door jambs.
Why the Abandonment
Today, these temples are left at the mercy of nature due to a combination of factors:
– Decline in religious use: after the destruction ordered by Aurangzeb, many shrines lost their original function.
– Absence of official protection: not all the remains are recognised as protected heritage, so there is a lack of funds and restoration work.
– Peripheral location: the distance from the centre of Udaipur and the fact that they are located in an area with little tourism discourages restoration initiatives.
– Cultural evolution: active worship has shifted to more accessible and structurally safe temples.
Urbex location:
