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Lakhamandal is situated on a hill slope along the bank of
the yamuna in district Dehradun. It
is a site rich in ancient remains of temples, sculptures and insriptions,
some dating from as early as fifth century A.D.
The only temple in good preservation is the large Shiva temple which
comprises of a 'triratha sanctum' with a heavy-shouldered five-storeyed
'rekha-sikhara' preceded by an urly modern hall and porch, standing in a
large flagged court.
It has developed 'vedibandha' with the mouldings of khura-kumbha, kalasa,
and kapotapali, surmounted by jangha with niches on all rathas capped by
handsome udgamas. The bhandra niches, now empty, are framed by ornate
ruchaka pilasters and crowned by udgamas bearing figures or heads of
shiva.
The sikhara is squat and ponderous and is sparsely ornamented with
gavakshas and half-gavakshas and thin, square bhumi-amalakas. Details of
its crowning members are hidden by a modern protective wooden canopy.
The sanctum enshrines a sivalinga and is entered from a doorway of three
sakhas carved with scrolls, frolicsome ganas topped by matrikas, and
bevelled scrolls. The lalata displays figure of lakulisa while the jambs
bear at the base river goddesses and saiva door-guardians. On the basis of
sculptural and architectural style the temple is assignable to C.A.D. 750.