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SHIVA TEMPLE · 15TH CENTURY · POLOSharneshwar Mahadev
A medieval Shiva temple in the forest — Sharneshwar Mahadev, the principal shrine of the Polo heritage, is a finely carved 15th-century Shiva temple of living worship standing among the trees of the Vijaynagar forest, where devotion and medieval art meet in great beauty.
The Shiva temple of the Polo forest
Sharneshwar Mahadev is the principal and best-preserved temple of the Polo heritage — a finely carved 15th-century Shiva temple standing in the Vijaynagar forest of Sabarkantha, and a place of living worship as well as a heritage monument of the first rank.
Dedicated to Shiva, the temple is a fine example of medieval Gujarati temple architecture — a stone structure with a pillared mandapa, carved columns, sculptural decoration and refined proportions. Unlike many of the surrounding Polo monuments, which stand in ruin, Sharneshwar remains substantially intact, and devotion continues here, drawing both pilgrims and visitors.
The forest setting gives the temple its special character: it stands among the trees of the Polo woodland, beside the Harnav river, with the Aravalli hills rising behind — a setting of natural beauty that lends the temple a uniquely contemplative atmosphere. Devotion peaks during the holy month of Shravan and on Mahashivratri, when the temple draws devotees from across the region.
Sharneshwar temple, Polo. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
The Polo forest's chief shrine, still worshipped
Sharneshwar temple carving. Wikimedia Commons.
The temple is raised in the Polo era, one of the finest shrines of a medieval woodland settlement.
Dedicated to Shiva, it becomes the principal and most revered temple of the Polo forest.
Unlike the surrounding ruins, Sharneshwar survives substantially intact, its carving and mandapa preserved.
It remains a place of living worship, drawing pilgrims and visitors among the trees beside the Harnav.
Reasons to make the time
Shiva temple
Living worship — a shrine still active with daily devotion.
15th century
Medieval art in stone, a genuine Polo-era monument.
Carving
Fine stonework across pillars, columns and mandapa.
Forest
A beautiful setting deep in the Polo woodland.
Harnav
The forest river runs beside the temple grounds.
Shravan
Peak devotion in the great Shiva month and on Mahashivratri.
What to look for inside
SHARNESHWARThe temple
In the forest.
THE CARVINGStonework
15th-century art.
How to spend an hour or two
Offer at the shrine
Living Shiva worship — join the devotion at the principal shrine of the Polo forest.
Study the carving
15th-century art in stone rewards a close look at the columns and sculptural detail.
See the mandapa
The pillared hall is the heart of the temple's medieval Gujarati architecture.
Walk the forest setting
Trees and river surround the temple; the Polo woodland is beautiful on foot.
Visit during Shravan
Peak devotion fills the temple through the holy Shiva month.
Attend Mahashivratri
The great night of Shiva draws devotees from across the region.
Sharneshwar temple, Polo. Wikimedia Commons.
A 15th-century forest temple
Sharneshwar Mahadev is a finely carved 15th-century Shiva temple — the principal and best-preserved monument of the Polo heritage. Its pillared mandapa, carved columns and refined proportions are fine examples of medieval Gujarati temple architecture, and it remains a place of living worship, standing among the trees beside the Harnav river.
More places to visit across the district are gathered in our Sabarkantha travel guide.
It is one of many — our guide to temples across Gujarat covers the rest.
An active temple and heritage monument, it asks for modest dress and is busiest in Shravan and on Mahashivratri.
A finely carved 15th-century Shiva temple
The principal, best-preserved Polo monument
A pillared mandapa with carved columns
Living worship in a beautiful forest setting
When to go
Cool and clear — ideal. Comfortable all day for the temple and the forest walk.
The great Shiva month. The forest is greenest and devotion is at its peak.
Hot; early morning best. Come right at opening to beat the heat.
⏰ Shravan and Mahashivratri are most devotional; the forest is greenest after the monsoon.
Timings & entry
- Open through daylight hours, every day
- Busiest in Shravan and on Mahashivratri
- Allow 30–45 minutes for a temple visit
- Combine with a Polo Forest walk
- No ticket required to enter the temple
- Modest dress and respectful behaviour expected
- Remove footwear at the shrine
- Carry water for the forest setting
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 85 km away — the nearest major airport, roughly a two-hour drive.
By Rail
Himatnagar is the nearest railway station, from where the Polo forest and temple are reached by road.
By Road
Easily reached by road from Ahmedabad and Shamlaji; the temple sits within the Polo (Vijaynagar) forest area.
Shooting the temple
FOREST TEMPLE
Carved stone among the trees, beside the Harnav river.
Best light
Early morning, when soft light filters through the forest onto the carved stone.
What to shoot
The pillared mandapa, carved columns, the shikhara and the temple framed by trees.
Be respectful
This is a living temple — keep the shrine calm and avoid intrusive shots during worship.
Gear tip
A wide lens catches the temple in its forest setting; a longer lens picks out the carving.
Know before you go
More to see close by
3Vijaynagar Jain Ruins
Silent medieval temples deep in the woods
Kotyark Sun Temple
An ancient sun shrine near Khedbrahma
Polo Forest Ruins
The Polo Forest Ruins are a group of old temples and stepwells hidden within the forested…
6Guhai Backwaters
A peaceful birding spot off the map
HILL FORTIdar Hill & Fort
A granite stronghold over the town
WETLANDHathmati & Guhai
Calm dam reservoirs alive with waterbirds
Where to eat near Sharneshwar Mahadev
Gujarati Thali
Comfort home cooking — an unlimited vegetarian thali of local flavours.
Sabar Dairy
Famous cooperative milk and dairy products from the Sabarkantha region.
Farsan
Savoury snacks — the crisp, fried Gujarati bites to carry on the road.
Local sweets
Festival treats and regional sweets to round off a temple visit.
A vegetarian region
Expect simple, satisfying vegetarian food and the region's celebrated dairy.
Sharneshwar Mahadev FAQ
What is Sharneshwar Mahadev?
The principal 15th-century Shiva temple of the Polo forest, and its best-preserved monument.
Is it a ruin?
No — it is substantially intact and a place of living worship.
What is its setting?
Among the trees of the Polo forest, beside the Harnav river, with the Aravalli hills behind.
When is it busiest?
During Shravan and on Mahashivratri, when devotees come from across the region.
What is the best time to visit?
Winter (Oct–Feb) for comfort, or the monsoon and post-monsoon for the greenest forest.
Is there a dress code?
Modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected at this active temple.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026