Trayatan Shiva Temple and Kund, Polo Forest: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Trayatan Shiva Temple and Kund

Wikipedia describes the Trayatan temple, also called the Temple with Kund, as an east-facing sandstone temple of which only the sanctum and mandapa survive, with a sandstone water tank to the north-west and two ruined minor temples nearby known as Sasu Vahu.

The forest's monuments are generally dated to the 15th century and are maintained by the state archaeology department.

Useful facts

Trayatan Shiva Temple and Kund facts at a glance

Location

Polo Forest, Abhapur area

Faith

Hindu (Shiva)

Dedication

Shiva

Visitor note

Take care near the tank edge

Built

15th century group (per Wikipedia)

Why it matters

Why Trayatan Shiva Temple and Kund is worth your time

Water and worship were tied together in medieval Gujarat, and the kund here shows how a forest settlement managed both. Together with the temple, it suggests a planned religious precinct rather than a single shrine.

As part of the Polo ruins the temple helps you picture the daily life of the lost city: pilgrims bathing, priests tending the sanctum, and a population that depended on the Harnav river and seasonal rain. It also pairs well with the larger monuments, giving the visit variety beyond temple walls.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The kund

   A sandstone water tank to the north-west, a reminder of how temples and water worked together.

2. 02

   Surviving sanctum and mandapa

   The core of the temple still stands in sandstone.

3. 03

   Sasu Vahu ruins

   Two small ruined temples nearby carry a local name meaning mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

The temple faces east, and what survives is the sanctum and the pillared hall in front of it. Stand at the entrance and look along the axis toward the sanctum first, then walk round the outside. Sandstone blocks and carved panels give a good sense of how the structure was assembled even though upper parts are missing.

The kund lies to the north-west. A stepped or built water tank beside a Shiva temple is a common arrangement, used for ritual bathing and as a water store. Walk the rim carefully and look down the stone sides to see the masonry. After the monsoon the tank may hold water; in dry months it may not.

Two ruined minor temples nearby are locally called Sasu Vahu, a name meaning mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They are small, so a quick look is enough. Combine this stop with the Shiva-Shakti and Surya group for a full half-day circuit.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Polo Forest, Abhapur area, Sabarkantha district

Time needed

30–45 minutes

Best time

Morning or late afternoon; September to February

Walking level

Moderate

Senior comfort

Paths are uneven and the tank has stone edges that need care, especially after rain. Seating is minimal. Older visitors can enjoy it from the temple level without going near the water's edge.

Tickets and access

Entry rules are not detailed in the sources I opened; the forest is listed as open from sunrise to sunset. Ask locally and keep a safe distance from tank edges.

Plan it with

FAQs