Located at Bhitargaon around 50 km from Kanpur in Uttar
Pradesh, Bhitargaon Temple is a 5th century AD Hindu shrine. The
shrine is one of the earliest terracotta structures and is entirely built using
brick. The main sanctum sanctorum is no longer in use. The temple is famous for
its terracotta sculptures.
The present day structure is largely a reconstruction. The
top quarter portion of the present day Shikhara is incomplete as there is no
unanimity as to how the ancient structure looked like. The original structure
collapsed in a lightning in 1878.
The temple is famous for its terracotta figures especially
that of Shiva-Gajari, Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu annihilating Madhu-Kaitaba,
Durga killing Shubha – Nishumbha, Krishna Balarama, Varaha, Vishnu, Gaja
Lakshmi, Ganga and Yamuna.
The spire, though damaged shows a stepped pyramidal design
and staggered ornamentation with crescent topped niches depicting Krishna Lila
scenes, Ravana begging alms from sita and Nara Narayana.
Other famous sculptures are that of animals, plants,
narrative friezes, Vishnu atop Adi Sesha, Ganesha running with sweets pursued
by baby Kartik.