Visit to Haunted Kiradu Temple in Barmer on a Full Moon Night
Kiradu Temple in Barmer, when I first heard the name I felt the place must be having an aura around it just as its name. I had read up Kiradu doesn’t figure in the list of popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan yet, but it definitely features in the list of haunted places in Rajasthan. My mind did wonder – would I hear the sounds of anklets or would I see moving shadows! We visited during the twilight hours and stayed back till well in to night.
Fear, mystery, myths and numerous stories about the Kiradu temple curse haunt these temples and nobody dares to set foot within the complex after sunset. Kiradu Temple complex was opened to public early 2016.
Each day after sunset this complex of Kiradu Temples in Barmer wear a deserted look. But not on the days when Suryagarh Resort takes their guests there. Many may believe these stories but not us! We from Suryagarh Resort reached the temple complex at twilight hours of 17th September 2016.
Main Temple of Kiradu Temple Barmer on a Full Moon Night
Suryagarh Resort has a series of experiential holiday programs to offer its guests; Kiradu Temple Trail is one of them.
History of Kiradu Temple of Barmer
Kiradu ( Kiradkot) history goes back to 6th century when it was ruled by Kirad clan of Rajputs. They were a set of prosperous devotees of Lord Shiva. Â The temples that we get to see today were built by King Someshwar of the Parmar dynasty. He ruled Kiradu in the 12th century.
It is believed that the place had 108 temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and Bhagwan Vishnu. During his reign Turushkas, (people of Turkistan) invaded his kingdom causing huge damage to the temples. Of those 108 temples only 5 remain standing today that too in a very ruinous condition. Looters have mercilessly raided these temple and flattened them out.
Just 5 ruined temples remain
Though there is no specific mention anywhere of the other 103 temples, the ruins and scattered temple elements are a proof to the existence of many other temples in addition to these 5.
None of these 5 temples have their idols. No worship takes place and the whole area looks deserted and devastated even after so many centuries. An inscription at Kiradu mentions Bhima as the reigning monarch and records the repairs to a temple broken by the Turushkas led by Muhammud of Ghor. It is dated 1178 CE. Bhim Dev was the king of Nahrwala, also called Bhima-II, the brother and successor of Mularaja-II.
Story of Cursed Temples of Kiradu
Are Kiradu Temples haunted? I did not notice anything unusual as I moved through the ruins. We may never know but there are legends which support this thought. No one ventures in here after sunset on their own.
After the devastating attack by Turks King Someshwar invited a great sage to restore safety and prosperity of the Kingdom. The sage, probably after completing his role left the kingdom leaving behind his disciple for the kingdom’s prosperity.
With passage of time locals of Kiradu forgot the sage’s disciple. A time came when the disciple was sick. While everybody else ignored the disciple only a potter’s wife looked after him and nursed him back to health. This enraged the sage and he cursed the village to turn into stone but not before asking the potter’s wife to leave the village.
Since then the village is under the sage’s curse and nobody dares to venture in after sunset. Slowly the village got deserted and began to acquire a haunted look.
Kiradu Mandir – the 3rd temple at right of entrance to Kiradu complex
While all these stories go around these temples let me also mention that there is no scientific evidence that the temples of Kiradu are haunted or cursed in any way.
Kiradu Lady figures on columns of Kiradu Temple
Visit to Kiradu Temples
But then legends are legends; nothing to be alarmed about! Suryagarh Resort hosted us within these very boundaries of Kiradu village. As I set foot within the Kiradu Temple complex the first sight that my eyes feasted on was the scene of 30 pujaris in spotless white dress, seated in two rows facing each other right in front of Vishnu temple.
At the door step of the temple, idols were centrally placed between the rows and a sacred fire lit in the homakund. Ferocious looking guards with mustaches stood on either side of the entrance of the temple. Havan was on, the whole atmosphere there was reverberating with collective chants of holy mantras.
And this was supposed to be a neglected temple complex? Hard to believe that! The welcoming scene was many times beyond my expectations! Such chants would have for sure invoked all positive energy and rid the place of haunting spirits if any!
Kiradu Temples Architecture
Incidentally these set of temples at Kiradu are known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan. The temples have Solanki style of architecture. All the temples are built of sandstone. Though the architectural style is different I found some of the features so similar to Hoysala temples of Karnataka. All columns, cornices, base panels here are carved in detail.
The themes of carvings were stories from mythological stories, epics and Gods and Goddesses. Several animal forms were sculpted on the panels. These reminded me of the terracotta temples of Bishnupur, West Bengal too. There are some human figures sculpted in erotic poses. Probably that is why the cluster of temples here is compared to Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh.
Round platforms surrounded by pillars seemed like some dance halls. Sabhamandaps has 8 columns and they are joined to one another at the top forming an octagon shape. Interiors of the temples were infested with bats and had unbearable stench. Most mesmerizing were the arches between the columns! How intricately carved, I stood rooted at the spot and admired!
Satvik Food at Kiradu Temples
Kiradu Temple complex was our dining destination that night! How unique! Team Suryagarh Resort made good seating arrangements in traditional styles. We could sit cross-legged on the chowki style seats with little tables right in front.
The thalis were elaborately stuffed with satvik menu. Couple of them like aloo mungodi ki subzi and mirch ka kutta I had never tasted before. They are so typical dishes of Rajasthan. Then there was continuous supply of pooris, pineapple rice pulao, and the mandatory dal-bati-choorma. Finally there were the desserts.
Satvik food at the end of ceremony added a lot of value to the event. Chef from Suryagarh Resort prepared the dishes at the site and the food served was hot. Indeed lot of planning and coordination has gone into executing such an experience for us.
Kiradu Temple Location in Barmer
How to reach:
Kiradu Temple Complex is 40 km west of Barmer, 157 km south of Jaisalmer. You can take taxi to the temple complex from both these cities. 80 km westward from here is Pakistan border.
Open Timings
Open from 9AM to 6PM. With ASI permission you can stay back to do some twilight hours photography. Suryagarh resort had taken all necessary permission to stay back in the temple after sunset.
Tickets
Tickets cost a nominal 50Rs for Indian adults and 200Rs for foreigners. Students need to pay just Rs.5.
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Kiradu Temple complex looks so beautiful when lit up. It reminded me of Temple at Bhangarh Fort. The carvings on the pillars are just so beautiful. great pictures and write up.
This looks like a beautiful temple. All of those carvings are really beautiful and it’s incredible how well preserved it seems. These lesser known places are the best kinds of places to visit, in my opinion.
Wonderful place to visit.l wish to visit this place.
The beautiful night photo with the moon does instill a sense of suspense 🙂 You do have a knack of discovering unusual places! I am almost sure that Nisha has been to Kiradu and told me stories about it. Rajasthan is so full of colors that I love going back again and again.
Kiradu is a beautiful find! You say there were 108 temples once and now just a handful? It seems that Suryagarh has a hand to play in bringing Kiradu into the limelight again. Corporate intervention can go a long way for heritage preservation in our country, don’t you agree?
Lovely photos! Especially the first one with the full moon! It looks like the temple is floating. The temples are all really beautiful!
It’s the first time I’ve heard or read about Kiradu Temple. It’s absolutely stunning. The photos are beautiful but I sure want to see it with my own eyes. I have never tried Satvik food but it looks very delicious. You are so lucky to be there and eat it the traditional style. You really had first hand cultural experience!
What an intriguing story, and how interesting so many people fear going there, especially when the darkness falls. I have to say though, I would be like you and definitely want to visit it, although I’m not familiar with the history the architecture alone makes me want to visit.
Oh my god! This place looks amazing. I have never heard of Kiradu Temples, and I am impressed how amazing it is. You just added a new place to my list 🙂
I love to visit places like this temple complex which have a history and is packed with fascinating stories! This one tho has a buge bonus with is the satvik menu! It’s amazing that they serve hot food and that dish looks delicious!
I’ve still yet to travel to India and always want to go after seeing photos like of this temple. Those details and the legends and curses behind it, make it so fascinating for us foreigners. An truly incredible structure, and the dinner you had sounds like an interesting cultural choice too.
I love the sound of the resorts experiential holiday program – Kiradu sounds like a great opportunity to visit a place tourism hasn’t touched yet. Incredible that there are still 5 temples when 103 of them have been completely destroyed. The Solanki style of architecture is so beautiful and detailed, and how unique that you got to dine there at night! It’s fabulous that the resort is bringing an otherwise abandoned site to life!
The Kiradu temple looks exquisite. Your pictures render them with a touch of class and timeless beauty and make them so appealing. Really some stunning shots that bring alive the inherent beauty of the place. I am propelled to get there as soon as possible looking at the lovely pics.
What a story – such a fascinating heritage and shocking that only 5 temples survived. I’m glad to read that you got such a warm reception and that positivity filled the place. With such a history, it’s good that only good comes of it now. Wonderful pictures and story telling.
What an epic post. So much information and history. It is well written and the photos are vibrant as well as atmospheric.
I especially like the nighttime dining.
What a great experience and thank you so much for sharing.
Would definitely love to visit! The architecture is just so fascinating! I think these kind of places really represent the culture of the people who built them. Although, I don’t think I’ll visit at night. That first picture looked a little eerie!
I had heard about the Kiradu trail but didn’t know it was mysterious and had so many myths surrounding it! The temple’s architecture is so intricate and your pictures are so stunning Indrani! :)The story behind these is intriguing too. I wonder what happened to the remaining temples. Such a wonderful read! very very interesting! Glad you got to attend the havan ceremony and capture it for us!
I love the architecture of Kiradu Temples! And your pictures on a full moon night make it look so eerie. It’s an interesting legend about the sage cursing the village and I personally love exploring haunted villages, that too, on a full moon night. I have never heard of this place but I do know there are lots of haunted and deserted places in Rajasthan. This seems like an interesting one!
I had never heard of Kiradu. It is amazing that there are 108 temples dedicated to 2 lords. The ornate design on the architecture is amazing! The Suryagarh Resort staff in their whites, oranges and reds are a beautiful contrast to the beige and umber temple ruins. The lighting for evening dining looks to create a special atmosphere. What an interesting place!
That dinner looks like such a wonderful and unique experience! It’s crazy that there used to be over 100 temples there. It goes to show that we should make the most of the history available to us.
I love this post Indrani! I would be one of those people who sneak in after sunset because I’d be so overcome with curiosity about what it is people are afraid of. I imagine it’s the imprint of collective fear. This post is putting butterflies in my stomach! I really want to go and explore now. I might contact you if I decide to go to India soon.
What a magical place. I love how the temple blends in with the natural surroundings
I’d never heard of these temples before. Their age is quite impressive, though only 5 remain. The story of the legend is rather fascinating, as well.
I can see why there is a lot of legends, myth and mystery around this place having seen the picture of it in moonlight. What an awesome place to visit! Your pictures show it off beautifully too. Very useful to include a fact file. Thanks.
These temples and the sculptures on them are really beautiful. It is quite interesting to read the stories and legends behind these old temples all over Rajasthan. Nicely narrated experience. Definitely will check out this place someday
Our kings relished a lavish lifestyle and our history has plethora of myths, stories, adventures and spirituality. No doubt 108 temples were built by that time as number 108 share great importance in Hinduism. But didn’t you feel something creepy at your time of visit to the temple.
I have been in love with these since I saw ur pics…. They are lovely and the story behind it makes it even more fascinating….. Someday…. Someday…..
P. S- love that night shot or the temple
Brilliant find of a place not inundated by tourists just yet. The photo of the 30 punjaris is absolutely fantastic.
The photos of the temples in the dark do look a bit eery! Such a unique style of architecture – I would love to see Kiradu up close and personal one day.
Kiradu Temples look splendid and its architecture is quite fascinating! Indeed it gives the vibe of Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh! Also, the ‘satvik thali’ looks delicious!
How neat! I hadn’t heard of the Kiradu temples and I went to Rajesthan. They remind me a little of the Jain temples in Jaisalmer. The architecture looks so intricate and ornate that every individual structure can easily be identified even with the little differences in carvings.
I know very little about Indian religion and mythology in general, but the stories behind this template are just fascinating! Such an incredible construction, another addition to my bucket list! 🙂
I love the pictures during night time, they give an even more remarkable look to the temples. Haunted or not, I definitely would love to visit the place. It surely has a special and unique atmosphere because they are temples.
It is so incredible that only five of the 103 temples are still standing. That is a testament to amazing architecture and solid handwork. Very much loved the detail in the photographs of the buildings and their stone. I really enjoyed reading about your experience being dined at the temple too!
I love to explore places that go so far back in history! The Kiradu temples are beautiful and the element of fear just adds to the experience, I imagine. Still, i wouldn’t be keen on going after dark 😀
There I see no lights, lighting equipment that is very simple. Even houses far from the temple. Maybe it was that led to a deserted place at sunset. Temple building looks very old, but it is unique and still strong.
I admire every inch of details of these temples. I am wonder what they are thinking while planning and building these beauty. Do they think that someday we will truly appreciate their remains… if yes then they succeed!
The temple looks gorgeous! It seems like quite the experience – I like that there is food offered as it means I won’t have to go search for food on my own after!
The temple looks so majestic against the full moon. Im always blown away by the expert architecture and sculpting in Indian history. The legends only make it more fascinating. thanks for sharing 🙂
If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s temples. Each one has a story to tell, and you tell yours so well!
I’ve always wanted to go the Angkor Wat as it was the only temple I knew. You make me wish to visit these temples! I’ve always thought temples must be so magical places to see…
WOW 108 temples and so few remain the ones that remain are so beautiful. Love learning about myths and legends behind temples.
Would love to experience a feast like you guys did. Have never eaten Sathvic food before ? What is it ?
The historically rich land of Rajasthan is many surprises and mysteries. Kiradu sounds very intriguing, hope to make a visit to the temple for our next Rajasthan trip.
You had such an amazing experience dining right inside the ruins. I wish I could have visited the Kiradu temple complex while I was in India, as it looks so different from all the other places I have seen. The legend behind it is interesting also, but as you say, legends are legends and you won’t transform into stone if you go in by night.
I really enjoyed this post! The legend behind the temples it’s thrilling. The nocturnal pictures are fantastic, yet there is so much detail in the morning pictures that it’s hard to choose! This must have been a great experience.
Love the photos. The temple trail looks great to check out. Love the evening shots 🙂
It is a shame that so few of the structured survived, they architecture and carvings are so beautiful! While a realize legends are legends, the story still lends a very haunting quality to it that will test even the most disbelieving traveler. You evening photos seem to capture such a special moment. Great post.
Amazing, cool to see that you were able to dine there. Sad that only 5 of the 108 temples exist – imagine how remarkable that would have been to view back then?
Some of them look like the temples in Cambodia but I love the stories you put into it. It made me appreciate the temple and everything else.
Gorgeous! I know almost nothing about India so this was a great introduction to the history and culture.
Superb and very informative. Thank you. 🙂
Wow, this is beautiful! And this made me feel like I want to see it by night! 😀
This is indeed a mesmerizing place. It does have an aura of mystery and intrigue. The architecture is amazing and true to the exquisite style prevalent across Rajasthan. I have not been here but would definitely get there sooner rather than later.
Wow. This looks amzing. I love looking at temple architectures all the time. they are so intricate and complete with stones and marbles or rocks at different places. I had not heard of this temple before so I got to see a new temple through your post. Thanks.
What an amazing looking place!
I am sending a client to Rajasthan next week, so it’s always great to get fresh ideas 🙂
This place looks amazing. The detailing is everywhere. It is almost overwhelming looking at the pictures trying to take it all in. I enjoyed both the night and daytime pictures. I can’t wait to see the Kiradu Temple Complex in person.
Wow – how very beautiful!
Looks like we visited temple complex a few days apart. We went there on Sept 4. With the pooja in twilight, it must have been a nicer experience!
We too felt some resemblance to Karnataka temples (Badami and Pattadakkal). 🙂
The night pictures give a mystical atmosphere to the place. The whole experience must have been so amazing. Gorgeous ancient temple ruins set midst the desert and havan and delicious food, just makes it a perfect train to follow. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rajasthan is guess is sprinkled with fascinating stories… Such a great way to restore the temple and add to their offbeat trails offering guest an unique experience.
The architecture of the temple is unique and such an amazing write up.
I would like to correct you here. the architecture which are found here are also found across Karnataka, Andra and Maharashtra. this kind of architecture is called as Carnatic or Chalukyan Architecture.
This is similiar because the Solanki Dynasty of Rajasthan had a link with The Great Rashtrakuta Empire of Karnata. And it is believed that they were a Kannada Origin.
Beautiful temples. Must have been amazing experience.definately would love to visit. Thanks indrani
Yes an amazing experience. Do visit and let me know of your experience. Thank you Jyoti for the comment. 🙂
It’s amazing how these beautiful places cost such little money to go see! Beautiful pictures, what details in the carvings!
Wow! Gorgeous photographs. I haven’t even heard about this place, despite being from Rajasthan itself. Fabulous storytelling style.
Wonderful work, Indrani ji.
Thank you Shubham for the appreciation. 🙂
The temple complex has been recently opened to public, may be that is why many are not aware.
Great initiative by the resort to arrange for twilight visit to this incredible site, despite the haunt stories! Architecture of these temples is unique and impressive.
Loved the night shots!
Beautiful Photos. Now this place is in my travel wishlist 🙂
Aah ! Being a Rajasthani, I am overwhelmed by reading this post and seeing the pictures. I have yet to visit this place. Now I take a vow to visit at the first opportunity coming way. Hearty thanks for sharing.
Jitendra Mathur
I hope you get to visit soon. Thank you for the comment. 🙂
Wow, what a remarkable place!
Fear, mystery, myths and numerous stories haunt these temples and nobody dares to set foot within the complex after sunset. Each day after sunset this complex of Kiradu Temples wears a deserted look. But not on the days when Suryagarh Resort takes their guests there. A Hindi TV News channel shows it before a month ago and they did experiment in Night , There one of the crew member felt some negative energy so , half is the truth and half is story only.
Such beautiful temples and lot of history there. I would love to visit this place someday.
Thanks for sharing the history. I loved the first picture…it’s like as if the opening scene of some historical movie…
What a detailed article with such breathtaking architectural captures. Loved it! 🙂
It is so much fun to see it through your lens again!
What a lovely post, Indrani. Very informative too!
The temple seems to be strange mix of various forms of architecture of that era.
Hello, gorgeous images! I love the temple at night, the first shot is my favorite. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!
Lovely shots!
Centuries old temple still stands tall not ravished by time.
Beautifully explained Indrani and lost this tone of pictures from you.
Beautiful temples.
Great to read, wonderful pics.