Amruteshwar Temple, Ratanwadi

The Amruteshwar Temple at Ratanwadi is a richly carved Shiva temple more than 1,200 years old, built by the Shilahara rulers in the 9th century CE; it is counted among twelve Shiva temples founded by King Jhanjha. A low parapet surrounds the compound, which measures about 61 by 36 metres, and the shrine faces west.

The plan has a pillared hall, a vestibule and the sanctum, with a porch at the shrine's back door. The linga is unusual: a yoni placed over a hollow in the rock, topped by three stones stacked like a kalasha. A Nandi at the western gate faces the shrine, and two worn Nandis sit on the porch. The ornate shikhara survives intact, with four vertical rows of miniature spires capped by an amalaka, though the hall roof has gone and gaps were later filled with hero stones and reused blocks. Pierced stone windows, geometric wall patterns and carved pillars complete the picture.