I was looking at the yellow mustard fields as we drove on the almost deserted roads through the fields. My eyes had been searching for another temple after our visit to Mitawali. And then I chanced upon it from a distance standing amidst yellow mustard field. From the first look, Kakanmath Temple appeared as if various stones were stacked over the other, just like we played with building blocks as kids. The huge structure against the blue sky looked imposing and fascinating. One look at the Kakanmath Temple and I was sure that this was going to be a fitting climax of our trip to Morena.

Morena had already surprised us with its archaeological sites. We were simply spellbound by the sheer magnificence of the Bateshwar Temple Complex, the intricate sculpture of Padavali and the simplicity of the Chausath Yogini Temple. Now, the partially ruined Kakanmath Temple stood in front of us like an imposing structure dominating everything that was in the surroundings. On looking at it carefully, you will wonder how this huge structure is still standing. It does look as if it was built by bricks stacked above each other in careful balance. You might also feel that a strong burst of wind might simply rattle it and the entire structure would fall crumbling down. Even I had the same thought. But then, when it did not fall all these days, why would it crumble down now. Nevertheless, we climbed up the stairs and looked at the temple in awe and surprise.

Kakanmath Temple – History

Kakanmath Temple is one of the most prominent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Sihoniya, almost 65 km from Gwalior city. Sihoniya located in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh was known as Simhapaniya in ancient times.  Records indicate that Sihoniya or Suhoniya was once the capital of the Kushawahas of the Kachchhapaghata or the Kachwaha Kingdom established around the 11th century. It is believed that Kakanmath Temple was built by a Kushawaha ruler King Kirtiraj approximately between 1015 to 1035 AD.

There is an inscription found at the Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior that depicts a Shiva Temple being built at Simhapaniya. So it can be safely assumed that the inscription speaks of the Kakanmath Temple.

There are two theories about the name of the temple. Local legends believe that the temple was built to fulfill the wishes of Queen Kakanwati. It is believed that praying in the Kakanmath Temple fulfills all your wishes. There is also another belief that the name of the temple has been derived from Kanak (meaning gold) and matha (meaning shrine).

Kakanmath Temple – Defying Gravity

A first look at the Kakanmath Temple would reveal its structure to be similar to the Khajuraho temples. Infact many of the sculptures and carvings are similar to those found in the temples of Khajuraho. It is quite possible that this was the style and design of the temples during those time and the temples of Khajuraho were inspired by them. Infact, the guide at Padawali had told us that the temple of Padawali was the predecessors of the Khajuraho temples.

The Kakanmath Temple stands at a height of 115 feet having a pyramid-like structure. The Mandapa has 2 stories. One look at it and you can discern that it was once highly decorated. Even in ruins, the temple is a grand structure to behold. The temple stands on an ornate pitha (a raised platform) and is a part of a temple complex consisting of the main temple surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. A pillared corridor leads to the central shrine that houses a Shiva linga.

Kakanmath Temple looks like a magnificent structure from a distance. But as you go near, you can see the exquisite carvings on the walls of the temple. Beautiful statues are carved on the exterior walls, ornate carvings are found on the pillars. The Sikhara (tower) is almost 30 m high. Kakanmath Temple is full of beautiful sculptures of rich variety. We kept looking at the sculptures and carvings in awe.

It seems as if some expert sculptor has very lovingly created his masterpiece on the walls, ceilings, pillars of the Kakanmath Temple.

What surprised me most was how the temple still managed to stand. Most of the walls of the temple have fallen and Kakanmath now looks like a bare skeleton of a temple. You could see how the stones were stacked one above the other giving a very wobbly look to the temple.

Well, did you know that the construction of the temple does not use any concrete and binding agent? The temple does not make use of lime in the construction. The stones are placed one above the other in strategic positions and the entire temple stood and is still standing depending on that.

I can still understand that in the past with all the walls and structures intact, the temple stood imposingly in the area. But it surprised me to think that it is still standing in the same way even when most of the structures are in ruins. I can only the ingenuity of the architect who planned the temple and the skill of the workers who laid the stones one by one to build this ornate and beautiful temple. Do you think any modern architect can plan such a temple?

However, the time has taken its toll on the temple. In most probability, earthquakes and invasions are the results of the ruins. The area surrounding the temple is full of sculpted stones and other masonry items from the temple and its subsidiary shrines. The Sikhara of the temple is now shorn of its ornamental stones. Only the upper storey of the central part of the Mandapa crowned by a bell member has survived.

The temple does look that it is going to fall anytime. Maybe, it is time for our archaeologists to take a look at Kakanmath Temple as well. Kakanmath Temple is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Gwalior.

There is a gate-like structure in front of the temple as you climb up the stairs on the raised platform. But surprisingly, the orientation of the gate is parallel to the temple. Usually, such gates are placed perpendicular to the temple so that you can see the temple entrance as you enter. Maybe, it was once like that. The gate might have fallen down and later erected in such a manner. I kept speculating about this as I roamed around the temple complex. There is a small broken temple near the main temple complex. There are perhaps more like this waiting to be excavated.

The ruins of Kakanmath Temple are so magnificent and awe-inspiring. Perhaps the lost outer wall and its tumble-down conditions make it look more majestic. Well, this is just my thoughts. You visit the Kakanmath Temple and let us know what you think about it.

The site is still being excavated and various broken parts of the temple are lying around. I heard that restoration work has been undertaken by ASI for some time. The temple has been standing imposingly since the last 1000 years and I hope that the temple stands in the same majestic way for the next 1000 years also.

How to reach Kakanmath Temple?

There are two ways to reach Kakanmath Temple from Gwalior. There is one route via Morena, and another one is by Malanpur. The distance between Gwalior to Kakanmath Temple via Morena is about 70 km.

The nearest railway station is Morena and the majority of the trains stop at Morena. From Morena and Gwalior, buses ply to Sihoniya village. You can take any of these buses to reach the village. Kakanmath is situated at a little distance from the main road and it is difficult to get local transport in these areas.

We had explored the archaeological sites in Morena and Kakanmath on the same day. We had hired a car from Gwalior and did the entire trip on a day. We started from Gwalior in the morning, stopped at the Bateshwar Temple complex first, followed by Padawali and Mitaoli. Kakanmath was our last stop for the day.

We had heard that there are a few more spots and archaeological attractions in this area. But we could not explore because of lack of time. But we would definitely come back to this area and explore it later.

Best Time to Visit

Madhya Pradesh has an extreme climate. The summers will be really hot. So the best time to visit these areas is undoubtedly the winter season. You can also visit during the monsoon.

Places to Stay

I don’t think there are any places to stay at Sihoniya village. The best option would be to stay at Gwalior and do a day trip to Morena and Sihoniya together. You can also stay at Morena town.

A Few more pictures of Kakanmath Temple, Morena

So that was all about Kakanmath Temple, a place that had completely awed us. If you visit Kakanmath Temple in Sihoniya early in the morning, you will see peacocks in the area. Did you like the post? Please share your feedback with us by commenting below. If you want any information about the place, comment below or send us a mail at info@taleof2backpackers.com

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