Kalayat Ancient Brick Temples

The Kalayat Ancient Brick Temples are two 8th-9th century brick temples located in Kalayat town, Kaithal district, Haryana. Built during the Gurjara-Pratihara period in Nagara style, they are among the oldest surviving brick temples in North India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temples are noted for their brick shikharas, intricate carvings and historical association with sage Kapila.

Visitors can expect to see two small, ancient brick temples situated in the centre of Kalayat town near the Kapil Muni tank. The temples feature Nagara-style curvilinear shikharas built entirely of bricks with decorative brick carvings and floral motifs. The complex is open and compact, set in a simple courtyard with stone idols inside the sanctums. The site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and offers a quiet heritage and religious atmosphere for sightseeing and photography.

The Kalayat brick temples date to the 8th-9th century CE and were built during the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Constructed in the Nagara style entirely in brick, they represent one of the earliest surviving temple groups in Haryana and North India. The temples are designated as Monuments of National Importance and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, showing early medieval temple architecture before the later stone temple phase.

The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are traditionally associated with sage Kapila, after whom Kalayat (Kapilayatana) is believed to be named. Located beside the sacred Kapil Muni tank, the site holds religious importance for local devotees and is visited during religious occasions. It reflects the early Hindu temple tradition and brick-building heritage of the region.