Mallikarjun Temple Ghotan: 60-Pillar Patalling Marvel

The Subterranean Shivling of Ghotan: Unveiling the 60-Pillar Mallikarjun Temple

Just 14 kilometers from Paithan—the ancient imperial capital of the Satavahanas—lies Ghotan village in Shevgaon taluka, Ahilyanagar district. Surrounded by archaeological remnants spanning ancient dynasties, Ghotan traces its identity directly to the Mahabharata. Legend relates that when Jarasandha raided the cattle herds of King Virat, the fleeing cows sought refuge with Sage Mallik, who was meditating here. By granting them shelter, this sanctuary became known as Go-Than ("abode of cows"), later evolving into Ghotan. Here, under Sage Mallik’s spiritual guidance, the Pandava prince Arjuna performed rigorous penance to invoke Lord Shiva—bestowing the shrine its name, Mallikarjun.

West-Facing Bhumija Architecture and the 60-Pillar Hall

Enclosed within protective stone ramparts and spanning approximately 60 by 60 feet, the temple defies typical architectural conventions. While most Shiva shrines face east, the Mallikarjun Temple is distinctly west-facing. Exhibiting the classic Bhumija style of the Yadava era (10th–12th century), the temple was later crowned with a renovated brick spire during the Peshwa period.

The structural layout comprises a Mukhamandap (entrance porch), Rangamandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum). Supported by an astounding array of 60 carved stone pillars—36 spanning the outer halls and 24 anchoring the subterranean sanctum—the temple unfolds as an open-air stone gallery:

• The Rangamandap: Framed by low parapet dwarf walls (Vaman Bhint), the hall features pillars adorned with mythical Kirtimukhas, dynamic cavalry battle scenes, royal hunts, Gandharva musicians, and war elephants. A singular pillar panel captures two women performing ritual worship of a Shivling.

• Lithic Records: The pavilion houses ancient idols of Ganesha and Uma-Maheshwar, alongside medieval Veergals (hero stones) and a rare, intact Gadhegal (ass-curse boundary stone).

The Iconographic Enigma on the Lintel

The sanctum doorway features classical ornamentation: auspicious Mandaraks, river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna at the jamb bases, and watchful Dwarapalas. However, the central lintel (Lalatpatti) presents an intriguing iconographic puzzle. Instead of customary depictions of Ganesha, Gajalakshmi, or Garuda, the lintel features an enigmatic deity holding a distinct curved, sickle-like weapon rather than a warrior's bow—casting serious doubt on prior assumptions of Tripurantaka Shiva and demanding formal scholarly investigation.

The 15-Foot Subterranean Patalling

Descending into the sanctum reveals the temple’s most dramatic feature: a submerged Patalling resting 15 feet below ground level. Steps flanked by carved stone sages and divine Ganas lead down to the sanctum floor, where the Shivling remains naturally submerged in water every monsoon. Among the 24 subterranean pillars, an exquisite relief of Sheshashayi Vishnu commands attention.

In the outer courtyard, three historic brick Deepmalas (lamp towers) stand sentinel beside the auxiliary Baleshwar Shiva shrine. Protected by the archaeological department, Ghotan’s Mallikarjun Temple endures as an exceptional confluence of epic lore and subterranean Yadava masonry.

Author: Vishal Lahoti (Founder, Dharohar | 9422227587)