Harshnath: The Abode of Siva: Second Kailasa in Marudesa

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Epigraphical Studies. 3. Architectural Elements. 4. Catalogue. 5. Iconographical Study. 6. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.

This book seeks to revive the lost grandeur of the Harshnath temple complex, a site of exceptional cultural, artistic, and religious significance in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. Rising above the plains of Marudesa, Harshnath was conceived as a Kailasa-like abode of Siva, where sacred geography, royal patronage, and refined artistry converged.

Combining rigorous historical enquiry with sensitive artistic analysis, the study traces the origins and conceptual framework of the temple, examines its architectural design, and closely engages with its epigraphical record. Through these strands, the book attempts a careful reconstruction of a monument that once stood among the finest expressions of Saiva sacred architecture in western India.

Beyond its ritual function, the Harshnath temple emerges here as a powerful testament to the heights achieved by Indian art. Particular emphasis is placed on its sculptural programme, relief compositions, narrative imagery, and aesthetic principles, revealing a sophisticated visual language shaped by theology, craftsmanship, and regional traditions.

More than a conventional historical account, this book offers a holistic understanding of the Harshnath site as a sacred landscape, an artistic achievement, and a cultural memory. It is intended as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and readers seeking deeper insight into the enduring legacies of Indian art, architecture, and religious thought.