Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur
Shiva as Gokarneshvara temple · Bisalpur, Tonk, Rajasthan, India
Bisaldeo Temple, also called Bisaldev or Bisal Deoji's temple, is a Shiva temple at Bisalpur in Tonk district, Rajasthan, beside the Bisalpur Dam on the Banas River. Wikipedia says it is dedicated to Gokarneshvara, an aspect of Shiva, and that it was commissioned by the 12th-century Chahamana ruler Vigraharaja IV, also known as Bisal Deo.
The Archaeological Survey of India lists it as a protected monument, and it is a Monument of National Importance.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur
The ASI's Jaipur Circle says Bisalpur's importance is due to this temple of Gokarneshvara, also called Bisal Deoji's temple, built by Vigraharaja IV (Visala), who was a devotee of Gokarna. The sanctum enshrines a linga.
Bisalpur was founded by Vigraharaja IV as Vigrahapura, and the ASI says it was preceded by an older city called Vanapura, which seems to have been ruled by the Takshakas (Nagas) of Todarai Singh.
Heritage
History of Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur
Wikipedia dates Vigraharaja IV's reign to about 1150-1164 CE, which places the temple in the mid-12th century. Before the Bisalpur Dam was built in the 1990s, the temple stood on the top of a hill overlooking the confluence of the Banas and Dai rivers; the courtyard is now partly submerged when the reservoir is full, according to Wikipedia.
Several short pilgrim inscriptions record visits to the temple. Wikipedia lists one dated Vikrama Samvat 1221 (1164-65 CE) and another dated VS 1244 (1187-88 CE) recording the donation of two sword handles in the mandapa of the temple of Sri Gokarna, which it notes is one of few surviving inscriptions from the reign of Prithviraja III. The ASI also notes the pilgrim inscriptions and their mention of Prithviraja III. The two sources do not give the same date for the earliest inscription, so that detail should be treated cautiously.
Architecture and sacred features
The ASI describes the temple (22.20 m by 15.30 m) as having a pancharatha sanctum, antarala, square mandapa and a portico with a shikhara. The temple is surmounted by a hemispherical dome supported on eight tall pillars carved on their lower sections with floral festoons, chain-and-bell and circular medallions. Wikipedia gives 22.2 by 15.3 m and describes the same elements, noting the dome over the mandapa.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
As a protected monument the temple is subject to ASI rules; do not damage or climb on the structure. The courtyard can be partly under water when the Bisalpur reservoir is high, so check conditions before visiting. Timings were not found in the sources consulted.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Archaeological Survey of India, Jaipur Circle before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Location
How to Reach Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur
The ASI lists the nearest airport as Jaipur, with Bisalpur reachable by bus and Todarai Singh as the nearest railway station. It also lists parking, a toilet and no entry fee. These facilities are as stated by the ASI and should be confirmed locally.
Location: Bisalpur, Tonk, Rajasthan, India
Nearest airport: Jaipur
Nearest railway station: Todarai Singh (per ASI)
More in Hindu temples in Rajasthan · Shiva as Gokarneshvara temples · Temples in Deoli Tehsil
Questions
Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur: Frequently Asked Questions
Who built Bisaldeo Temple?
The Chahamana king Vigraharaja IV, also called Visala or Bisal Deo, in the 12th century, according to the ASI and Wikipedia.
Which deity is worshipped?
Shiva as Gokarneshvara; the sanctum enshrines a linga.
Where is Bisaldeo Temple?
At Bisalpur in Tonk district, Rajasthan, beside the Bisalpur Dam on the Banas River.
Is the temple protected?
Yes. The ASI has classified it as a Monument of National Importance and has carried out restoration.
Why is the courtyard sometimes under water?
After the Bisalpur Dam was built in the 1990s, the reservoir partly submerges the courtyard when water levels are high.
What does the temple's plan include?
A pancharatha sanctum, antarala, square mandapa with a hemispherical dome, and a portico with a shikhara, per the ASI.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Bisaldeo temple
- Archaeological Survey of India, Jaipur Circle (Internet Archive copy) — Bisaldeo Temple, Tonk
Further reading: Bisaldeo (Gokarneshwar) Temple, Bisalpur on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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