Madareshwar Temple

Madareshwar Temple is a Shiva shrine set inside a natural cave on a hill at the eastern side of Banswara town, and it draws pilgrims from many parts of India. The hill looks down over Banswara and is a favoured spot for sunrise and sunset. The temple is painted white and orange, and a large Nandi sits at one outer corner.

The cave ceiling is low, so tall visitors must stoop, and bells hang above the main shrine. A railing bearing 'Om' fronts the sanctum, which has a large lingam shaped like Shiva's face beside a smaller one where milk and flowers are offered, with a trishul next to it. On Maha Shivaratri the temple is lit and decorated. In Shravan (July to August) pilgrims begin a barefoot Kawad Yatra here, carrying water from the Mahi River and ending at the Baneshwar temple.