Panchdeval Temple

Why devotees come here

Panchdeval Temple stands on the bank of a pond in Jiran, in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh. The ancient sandstone temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries, and it now houses a Panchmukhi Shivalinga.

The temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries on the bank of a pond in Jiran, and it is called Panch Deval. It was first dedicated to Shiva, as a carving of Shiva on the northern lintel of the sanctum shows. Today it houses a Panchmukhi Shivalinga. Jiran has been associated with the Pashupat sect.

The original temple was likely started by a Guhil ruler in the 9th to 10th century. Four pillars in the assembly hall were donated in 1053 and 1065 by the wives and son of Vigrahpal, a great feudal chief of the Guhil dynasty. Some of the pillars were broken in Muslim invasions, and they were restored in Samvat 1608 under Maharana Jagat Singh (I). At the time of destruction, the peak and the assembly hall were washed away.

The temple is made of sandstone and is counted as heritage of Guhil era architecture and art. Big statues of the eight Dikpalas stand on its waist. The dome is described as being in pure Muslim style. A rare statue of Garuda is in the assembly hall.

Tips for your visit

• The rare Garuda statue is inside, in the assembly hall.
• Look for the big statues of the eight Dikpalas on the temple's waist.
• A Bageshwari Devi temple of the 13th to 14th century stands on the Panch Deval Mandir road.

Questions people ask