Chaturbhuj Temple

The Chaturbhuj Temple is a Hindu temple that is located in the Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is excavated in a rock face and is famous for being the earliest known inscription in the world that uses the symbol “0” to mean zero. However, the Bakhshali manuscript is now regarded as the earliest to use the zero symbol.

The temple’s inscription states that the community planted a garden of 187 hastas by 270 hastas, and this garden yielded 50 garlands for the temple every day. The last digits of 270 and 50 are “O” shaped. This temple has the earliest known epigraphical evidence inscribed in stone that already knows and uses the concept of zero. While Indian and non-Indian texts mention zero much earlier, this temple is significant in history.

The Chaturbhuj Temple is relatively small, with a square plan of 12 feet side. It has a portico at its entrance supported by four carved pillars, and these pillars show reliefs of individuals meditating in yoga asana position, as well as amorous couples. To the right of the portico is a covered pillared mandapa, like a choultry. The doorway into the rock is flanked by goddess Ganga and Yamuna. The ceiling of the temple is a low square pyramid, similar to the Dhamnar temple.

The tower of the temple is North Indian Nagara style, that slowly curves with a square plan, all carved out of the monolithic rock. It has an inscription that opens with a praise for Vishnu (Vaishnavism), then Shiva (Shaivism) and nine Durgas (Shaktism), as well states that it was excavated in 876 CE (Samvat 933). Inside there is a wall relief of Varaha (Vishnu’s man-boar avatar) and another of four armed Vishnu. It also has a carving of goddess Lakshmi with four arms. The name of the temple may be derived from four armed Vishnu and Lakshmi.

The temple is partially damaged, and much of the interior artwork is missing. However, the tower has been restored, and visitors can still appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance. The Chaturbhuj Temple is a testament to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.