Bhitargaon Temple, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh India

The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 6th century during the Gupta Empire, it is the oldest remaining Hindu shrine with a roof and a high Sikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century.

 Bhitargaon Temple, located about 32 km south of Kanpur at Bhitargaon, is a 6th century temple constructed with large bricks and mud on a high terrace of 15.41 meter. The art work of the temple is similar to the Gupta period and the elaborate carvings on the exterior brick and terracotta panels shows the skillful craftsmanship of the workers. The interior of the temple consists only the sanctum and the porch. The sanctum which resembles tri-ratha stands incomplete indicating the absence of an upper chamber. The temple has a central offset on three sides and there is an entrance hall, which is connected by a rectangle passage. The walls are adorned with figures of animals, birds, beasts and sculptures depicting various divinities, myths and stories.

The name of the temple Bhitargaon also suggests its location. According to the legend, it was located in the inner area of an ancient village called Pushp pur or Phoolpur. Bhitargaon has an ancient temple which was built in 6th century during the golden Gupta period of India. Hence the temple got its name after the village.

Bhitargaon temple is regarded as the oldest Hindu sacred place having a high roof or Shikhara. The 68.25 feet tall structure from the ground was built with terracotta and 18 inch long, 9 inch wide and 3 inch bricks. It is built upon a 36 feet by 47 feet platform. The walls of the temple are 8 feet thick.

It contains a vaulted arch which was used for the first time in India. The whole structure is a testimony to the state of architecture in those days. The 15 feet by 15 feet sanctum is constructed in two stories, and it represents the Hindu concept of repentance of nar and naryan over the kidnapping of goddess Sita.