About 43 kilometers west of Barmer in Rajasthan, the ruins of five ancient temples stand in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills. These temples were built around 1000 A.D. and later. Some believe they were built by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, but most experts think they belong to the Gurjara-Pratihara style of architecture. The walls and pillars have intricate carvings, and the entrance arches (toranas) show signs of the upcoming Solanki style. There are also some influences from the Gupta era, as this region was close to Gupta territories.
The Someshwara Temple is the largest and, like three other smaller temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s door carvings and images in niches confirm its connection to Shiva. Its multi-layered spire is now damaged, but what remains gives an idea of its past beauty. While the three small Shiva temples are not very grand in design, they have interesting sculptures showing scenes from daily life, temple construction, and even Bhishma Pitamah lying on a bed of arrows.
The Vishnu Temple, another major structure, is mostly in ruins, with only the sanctum shell and a few pillars remaining. However, the carvings on the mandapa (pillared hall) are stunning. These include scenes of battles, royal life, and stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Despite its historical value, Kiradu remains unknown to many due to its remote location. However, this site is important because it shows the transition of temple architecture in the 10th century. The remains hint at a glorious past, making Kiradu a must-visit place for those who love history and architecture.
The Curse of Kiradu: A Story of Betrayal and Stone
Long ago, in the kingdom of Kiradu, there was a powerful and wise king. His kingdom was rich, and the people lived happily. To honor the gods, the king built beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
One day, a great sage named Guru Someshwar arrived in Kiradu with his disciples. The king welcomed him with respect and requested him to stay in the kingdom. The sage agreed and began teaching spiritual wisdom to the people.
One day, war broke out. The king and his army left to fight, leaving the people behind. The sage and his disciples stayed to help. But after the battle ended, when the sage decided to leave, one of his disciples fell sick and could not travel.
Before leaving, the sage asked the people of Kiradu to take care of the sick disciple, but they refused. Only a poor potter’s wife showed kindness and looked after him.
When the sage returned and saw how cruel and ungrateful the people had been, he became furious. He cursed the entire town:
“Kiradu will turn to ruins, and after sunset, all who remain here shall turn to stone!”
The curse came true. As the sun set, the people of Kiradu turned into stone, and the once-glorious city was destroyed. Only the potter’s wife survived, as she had been kind. However, as she fled, she looked back at Kiradu and she, too, turned into stone.
Even today, people fear staying in Kiradu after sunset, believing that the curse still exists. No one knows if the legend is true, but the silence of the abandoned temples tells a haunting tale.
Paranormal Incidents at Kiradu Temples
Kiradu Temples are not just famous for their ancient beauty but also for their eerie atmosphere and strange paranormal experiences. Locals believe the curse still exists, and many claim to have witnessed unexplained events.
1. Disappearing Visitors
There are stories of people who stayed after sunset and never returned. A group of travelers once decided to test the legend and stayed after dark. The next morning, their belongings were found near the temple, but they were nowhere to be seen.
2. Shadows and Whispering Voices
Visitors have reported seeing dark shadows moving around the ruins. Some claim to have heard whispers and chanting sounds, as if someone is performing a ritual, but when they search, no one is there.
3. Sudden Sickness
Some people who have visited in the evening have complained of dizziness, nausea, and headaches. A tourist once fainted near the temple entrance after feeling like someone touched their shoulder, but when they turned around, no one was there.
4. The Curse of the Potter’s Wife
Locals believe the stone figure of the potter’s wife still stands outside Kiradu. Many say that if you stare at it for too long, you start feeling dizzy, as if an invisible force is trying to pull you in.
5. Unexplained Animal Behavior
Animals, especially cows and dogs, refuse to enter the temple premises after sunset. Some visitors have seen birds flying away suddenly, as if sensing an unseen danger.
6. Cameras and Mobile Malfunctions
Several people have tried to record videos or take pictures at Kiradu, but many report that their devices stop working or the images get mysteriously deleted.
Because of these paranormal incidents, even locals refuse to step inside Kiradu after dusk. The temples remain silent, eerie, and untouched by human presence at night.
Architecture of Kiradu
The oldest temple at Kiradu is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at the farthest end of the complex, surrounded by hills on three sides. The temple is now in ruins, but its beautifully carved walls still show signs of its former glory. The front portion is mostly destroyed, but the sanctum (inner shrine) still stands with its five-sided (pancharatha) walls, resting on a tall and detailed plinth. The temple’s tower (shikhara) has mostly collapsed, leaving only a few small spires. Next to the temple, stone steps lead down to a gorge, which is believed to have once been a sacred water tank.
In front of the Vishnu temple’s sanctum, there is an octagonal dance hall (nritya-mandap) with beautifully carved pillars. The carvings depict celestial dancers (apsaras) and resemble those found in Baroli, Kota. The temple also had decorative stone arches (toranas), but only two have survived. Despite the damage, the remaining sculptures prove the incredible skill of the ancient craftsmen.
The most impressive temple at Kiradu is the Someshwara Temple, which reflects the Solanki style of architecture with influences from the Gupta period. Unlike the Vishnu temple, the tower (shikhara) of this temple is still intact. The sanctum has small decorative spires (urusringas) stacked together, giving the temple a compact, majestic look. The base (plinth) is decorated with detailed carvings of elephants, horses, human figures, and horned heads. A unique feature of this temple is a large upturned lotus carving on the base, similar to those in early Chola temples but with a distinct Rajasthani touch.
The walls of the Someshwara Temple are filled with sculptures depicting Krishna’s childhood stories (Krishna-lila) and scenes from the Ramayana. These carvings are incredibly detailed and appear almost three dimensional. The main band of sculptures includes figures from Hindu mythology, similar to the art found in Hoysala temples in Karnataka and Konark Temple in Odisha.
In front of the sanctum, there is another octagonal dance hall with a beautifully decorated entrance. The pillars of this pavilion are carved with elegant vase and foliage designs and support a ceiling structure that is now partially collapsed. The hall is enclosed within high walls, creating a secure space. The plinth (base) of this structure has multiple layers of beautifully carved images. Among these is a deep inverted Cymarecta (Jadyakumbha) molding, which adds to its beauty.
Apart from these main temples, Kiradu also has three smaller Shiva temples built slightly later. These single-room temples have the same architectural features as the larger temples, including decorative walls, a multi-spired tower, and intricate carvings. They are like smaller versions of the main temples and are grouped around the Someshwara Temple. The temple closest to Someshwara has some of the finest sculptures in Kiradu. Since its front porch is missing, the intricately carved doorway is now fully exposed to the sun. All the temples in the complex stand on a stone-paved courtyard at ground level.
Even in their ruined state, the Kiradu temples remain a masterpiece of Indian temple architecture, showcasing the artistic brilliance of their time.
How to Visit Kiradu Temples
If you are planning to visit this hidden gem, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Kiradu and what to expect.
1. Location of Kiradu Temples
- Kiradu, Barmer District, Rajasthan
- Distance from Barmer: 35 km
- Distance from Jodhpur: 230 km
- Distance from Jaipur: 530 km
2. How to Reach Kiradu Temples
A. By Air
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport (JDH) (230 km away)
- Jodhpur Airport is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
- After landing, hire a taxi or take a bus to Barmer, then proceed to Kiradu.
B. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Barmer Railway Station (35 km away)
- Major trains from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Delhi stop at Barmer.
- From Barmer, you can hire a taxi, cab, or local bus to reach Kiradu.
C. By Road
- From Barmer: 35 km – Taxis or private vehicles are the best options.
- From Jodhpur: 230 km – Approx. 4-5 hours via NH68.
- From Jaipur: 530 km – Approx. 9-10 hours drive.
D. Private vehicles are recommended as public transport options to Kiradu are limited.
3. Best Time to Visit Kiradu Temples
Winter (October to March) – Pleasant weather, best for exploring.
Summer (April to June) – Extremely hot, avoid daytime visits.
Monsoon (July to September) – Scenic but roads may be slippery.
4. Entry Timings & Important Tips
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Avoid staying after sunset due to eerie legends surrounding the place.
Entry Fee: Usually free or minimal charges.
Photography: Allowed, but drones may not be permitted.
Conclusion
The Kiradu Temples stand as a magnificent yet mysterious reminder of Rajasthan’s glorious past. Their intricate carvings and stunning architecture showcase the brilliance of ancient craftsmanship, but the eerie silence and the legend of the curse add an unsettling aura.
Whether one believes in the paranormal stories or not, Kiradu remains one of India’s most intriguing historical sites. The tales of people turning to stone and the fear of staying after sunset have made it a place of both wonder and mystery. Even today, locals refuse to step inside the ruins after dusk, keeping the legend alive.
For travelers, Kiradu offers a blend of history, mythology, and adventure. But one question remains unanswered is the curse real, or is it just a legend? The only way to find out is to visit… but would you dare to stay after dark?
