Yes, this 10^th century Shiva temple- Garhi Padhavali is actually a hidden gem that is situated in the quietest quiet. Garhi Padhavali, which is not in its full glory today, still reflects an ancient captivating charm of a beauty. Located in the Morena district 35 km north of Gwalior, near the Bateshwar complex in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

The fort is a modern day construction which was built by the Jat rulers of Rajasthan’s Gohad and Dholpur in the 19^th century in order to protect the remains. In the interior of the fort lies the 10^th century Shiva temple standing erect in the courtyard. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kachhapaghata rulers in 925 CE, who gained control after the Pratiharas and the Chandelas. The temple is however incomplete, with only Mukha Mandapa and Ranga Mandapa being firm, which are precisely the most detailed carvings of a Mandapa in early 12^th century.

Padhavali was earlier known as Dharon. As described by the local legends, the village was once part of a large city, including the other villages of Suhaniya and Kutwar. As per the archaeological records, Padhavali dates back to 6^th century BC based on the sculptures found in the area. It is also mentioned in a 7^th century inscription. Padhavali is known to be a thriving city of ancient India that eventually became the learning hub, rising to importance along with Mitawali and Bateshwar. Owing to the numerous jain sculptural ruins discovered in the area, it is also believed to have been a significant jain center in the past.  

However, with time, the city faded in importance, and could only restrict being a small village. The Shiva temple we witness today is diminished in glory that once existed in its full charm and exquisiteness. Alexander Cunningham, the prestigious British Archaelogist who visited the temple in 1880s had described it as consisting of a 25 sq ft mandapa, with 16 large beautifully carved pillars supporting the ceiling, the well sculptured double architrave, which is now desecrated. The sanctum itself is gone, with only two of its entrance pillars remaining. Every pillar, beam, ceiling or architrave has intricate iconography and miniature details that is tough contemplating.

In the period of 1920s, the then princely state of Gwalior removed all the later modifications and revealed the present Mahamandapa in its original form, which is adored by the everyday visitors. The sanctum and shikhara was long ago destroyed in the 13^th century only, now there is only the Mukha Mandapa.

Scholars describe the carvings of the temple to be the best, superior to the ones in Khajuraho. The carvings across beams of the four surrounding panels in the four directions, East, West, North and South depict Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, the celebrations in Nandgaon following the birth of Krishna, Maa Chamunda, Lord Rama and the army of vanaras worshipping Shiva lingam before the beginning of war with Ravana, Lord Shiva with Parvati and Nandi, the war scene of Mahabharata where Abhimanyu is killed, and Surya Dev. These carvings lie to the inside of temple in Garhi Padhavali, while in Khajuraho they are on the outside. Some of which are now preserved in the archaeological museums of Gwalior - Gujari Mahal State Museum and the ASI Museum inside Gwalior fort.

Restoration efforts continue, and the temple has been brought to its current condition. The piece of heritage needs to be treasured as an artistically rich spiritual monument belonging to our culture, so that it moves on to the coming generations. Like a temple only, instead of simply the remains of it…