Harshnath Temple

The Harshnath temple stands on a prominent mountaintop 14 kilometres from Sikar in Rajasthan. It was dedicated to Shiva as Harsha, the joyful one, guardian deity of the peak then called Harshagiri. An inscription of 973 records that the Pashupata ascetic Allata, also called Bhavarakta, built it with pious donations under the Chahamana ruler Vigraharaja I, finishing it in 956. The inscription describes the hill as Shiva's second home, an earthly Kailasa.

The Chahamanas, who came from this region and revered Harsha as their family deity, gave generously and turned it into the chief religious centre of their dynasty. Ordinary people gave too, and the inscription lists salt merchants from Shakambhari and horse traders from the north among the donors. The main temple is surrounded by other shrines, now in ruins.