Bisaldeo Temple

The Bisaldeo temple, also called Bisal Deoji's temple, stands at Bisalpur, next to the Bisalpur Dam across the Banas, in Tonk district. It is dedicated to Gokarneshvara, a form of Shiva, and was commissioned by the Chahamana king Vigraharaja IV, also called Bisal Deo, who ruled about 1150–1164 and founded the town, once known as Vigrahapura. Until the dam was built in the 1990s the temple stood on a hilltop above the meeting of the Banas and Dai rivers; now its courtyard is partly under water when the reservoir is high.

On a plan of 22.2 by 15.3 metres, the temple has a sanctum with a linga, a tower on a pancharatha plan, a vestibule, a square hall under a hemispherical dome, and a portico. Its pillars are carved with floral festoons, chain-and-bell motifs and medallions. Short inscriptions record pilgrims' visits, one dated 1164–65, and another of 1187–88 notes a gift of two sword handles. The Archaeological Survey of India protects and has restored it.