Harshnath Temple, Hindu temple in Sikar district, India

Harshnath Temple is a Hindu shrine in Sikar district with intricately carved stone pillars and detailed sculptures throughout. The complex displays skilled stonework of high artistic quality that defines the entire structure.

The temple was completed in 956 CE and an inscription dated 973 CE records its commissioning by the Pashupata leader Allata, also called Bhavarakta, during the reign of Chahamana king Vigraharaja I. The name comes from Harsha, the joyful local form of Shiva worshipped on Harshagiri mountain. In 1718 Shiv Singh built a new temple next to the ruins using their stone.

The mountain was called Harshagiri, "mountain of joy", and Shiva was worshipped here as Harsha, "he who is full of joy", its tutelary deity. The 973 CE inscription calls the hill Shiva's second home, a terrestrial Kailasa. The Chahamanas adopted Shiva-as-Harsha as their family deity and made the temple their royal religious centre; salt merchants from Shakambhari and horse traders from the north are named among donors.

The shrine sits on hilly ground and requires a short walk uphill to visit. A visit takes about one to two hours and should be planned for early in the day to catch the best light on the stone carvings.

A rare stone carving on the west wall shows the goddess in a special meditative pose, surrounded by female companions and musical figures. This particular depiction is uncommon across the region and reveals the artistic specialties of this place.