Daitya Sudan Temple, Lonar

Daitya Sudan Temple stands by Lonar Lake. Henry Cousens placed it at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and believed it was left unfinished because of invasions by the Delhi Sultanate. A figure of Surya in the rear niche suggests it may first have been meant for the sun god.

Legend tells of a giant, Lonasura or Lavanasura, who menaced people, animals and even the gods. Vishnu, disguised as a handsome youth, won the help of the giant's two sisters, found his underground lair, threw off its lid, killed him and buried him in his own pit. The lake is said to be that pit, its water his blood, and a nearby hill the lid. The Hemadpanthi temple has an irregular star-shaped plan, with ten steps on the east rising to a terrace and the main entrance. Ganesha sits on the lintel of the ornate sanctum doorway, and inside is four-armed Vishnu holding a conch, a discus, a mace and a man by the hair.