Ancient Stone Temple with a small Siva-linga inside

Khekparta (Lat. 23 0 27 ‘ 10’’ N., Long. - 840 44’ 50’’ E.) is situated at a distance of about 90 km towards north-west from Ranchi and 12 km from the district headquarters Lohardaga. Made by local boulders, this Shiva temple is situated on the hill top of the Khekparta village. The temple is erected directly on the surface of the hill without having any foundation. There is a narrow entrance of 1 meter height to the temple facing east. A Shivalinga is installed in the garbhagriha , which is the presiding deity of the temple. Planned in triratha, the shikhara of the temple is crowned with an amlaka. The height of the temple is about four meters. The temple has the same style and affinity with those of rekha deula of Kalingan style of Orissa and can be dated to the 9th century AD. Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India has exposed a group of small temples through scientific clearances in the foot - hill area and all the temples are dedicated to lord Shiva as all excepting one are having Shivalinga installed in the shrines