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Andal Deul Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Andal Deul Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Kharod Town near Shivrinarayan in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple is located in the north end of the town. The Temple is also known as Indal Deul. Kharod is also known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Legends

According to Indian epic Ramayana, Dushana and his twin brother Khara, younger brothers of Ravana, were demons who ruled the Dandaka Forest. After Lakshmana humiliated Surpanakha by cutting off her nose and ears, Khara and Dushana went to war against Lakshmana and Rama. During this fight, Khara and Dushana was killed by Rama. Kharod is the place where the war took place. The exact place is marked with a bat tree as per local folklore. The town Kharod derived its name from these two demons.

History

Kharod was one of the well-known ancient place during the period from 7^th century A.D to the 11^th century A.D. Various Inscriptions can be found in Kharod from different ruling dynasties of South Kosala. Kharod houses a group of ancient temples namely Andal Deul, Sabari Temple and Lakhneshwar Temple. The town was established by Panduvamshis of Kosala in 7^th Century AD. Alexander Cunningham visited Kharod in 1873 – 1874, Beglar visited Kharod in1874 – 1875 and then by Longhurst. These visits bought the importance of these temples to the outside world.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple. The temple is constructed entirely of brick except for its door way and Jagati which are built of stone. The Temple stands on a raised platform. The Temple is Saptaratha on plan. The Temple consists of sanctum only and can be accessed through steps. There is no idol installed inside the sanctum, only few loose panels are kept inside. The design of vimana is similar to the Lakshmana Temple of Sirpur.

The interior walls of the sanctum is plain and devoid of any ornamentation except a recessed niche on the southern wall and the stucco plaster. Ganga and Yamuna can be found at the entrance. The lintel or the cross-bar of the door jambs has friezes of Lord Shiva and Parvati seated in lalitasana at the centre being flanked by Brahma (left), Vishnu (right). There are niches for Parsvadevatas on three sides of external walls however the sculptures are very much ruined. Horse riders can be found on either side of niches.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kharod Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Shivrinarayan, 38 Kms from Janjgir, 40 Kms from Janjgir Naila Railway Station, 59 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 62 Kms from Bilaspur, 69 Kms from Bilaspur Airport and 131 Kms from Raipur. The Temple is situated on Bilaspur to Shivrinarayan Route (NH – 49). Buses ply from Bilaspur to Kharod on regular intervals.

Location

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Tourism Temple in Chhattisgarh

Tourism in Chhattisgarh refers to tourism in Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is India's 10th largest state and situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The state has many ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists, compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. For tourists who are tired of the crowds at major destinations will like the Bastar district, with its unique cultural and ecological identity. The green state of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of its area under forests and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. and total districtes of

chhattisghar in 29th.

Temples.

Notable and ancient temples in Chhattisgarh include: Shri Ram Janki Temple at Setganga in Mungeli District, Bhoramdeo temple near Kawardha in Kabirdham district, Rajivlochan temple at Rajim and Champaran in Raipur district, Chandrahasini Devi temple at Chandrapur, Vishnu temple at Janjgir, Damudhara (Rishab Tirth) and Sivarinarayana Laxminarayana temple in Janjgir-Champa district, Bambleshwari Temple at Dongargarhin Rajnandgaon district, Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada district, Deorani-Jethani temple at Tala gram and Mahamaya temple at Ratanpur in Bilaspur district, Laxman temple at Sirpur in Mahasamund district, Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth at Nagpura in Durg district, Pali with Lord Shiva temple and Kharod with Lakshmaneswar temple, Patal Bhairavi temple in outer area of Rajnandgaon.

Giraudhpuri is a religious place for the Satnamis. They are the followers of Satnam Panth.

Sirpur is proposed world heritage site and Malhar are of historical significance, as they were visited by Xuanzang, the Chinese historian. Mama- bachha temple at Barsoor.

The hot spring known as Taat Pani, (taat - hot, pani - water) the hot spring flows in Balrampur district. This hot spring flows throughout the year and is reputed to have medicinal properties due to its high sodium content.National Thermal Power Corporation Limited is developing a geothermal power plant at Taat Pani, which is described as the first geothermal power plant in India.

Most Beautiful Temple in chhattisghar

1.Temple in kabirdham District.

Know the information related to this beautiful Bhormadev temple like History, Kisan and when was made in Hindi. This temple is more than 1 thousand years old, which is located in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh. See Photos of Bhormadev Temple, Learn more about this in your language. This Bhormadev Temple, or 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh', is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved on rocky stones in the city style. Located in the Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh, this temple was built in the period 7th to 11th century and it is beautifully located between mountain ranges. The temples were built by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty. Shivaling has been carved beautifully in the temple. There is a similarity with the temple of Konark and Khajuraho temple of Bhormadev temple.

History and story of this temple

Amidst the fascinating atmosphere of Maikal Mountain and green forests, Bhormadev Temple is engraved on rocky stones in a beautiful city style. Shiva Ling is carved in the temple very well and the creative appeal of gender attracts visitors. With a similarity to the Khajuraho temple, Bhormadev Temple is also known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. Historians say that when Lord Cunnigham visited the temple, he called it one of the most decorated temples which he had ever seen.

2.Temple in Mungeli District.

Temple.

It is mainly known for the Shri Ram Janki temple, which was built in 1751 by Zamindar Daryasi Singh of Pandaria. The temple is best known for its gatekeeper, the demon king of Lanka, Ravana.

The city lies about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east from Mungeli, 65 kilometres (40 mi) east from Bilaspur, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) west from Kawardha which are situated on National Highway 130A

3.Temple in Janjgir champa District.

Shivrinarayan is a town and a nagar panchayat in Janjgir-Champa district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.Shivrinarayan has a significant role in the life of Lord Rama. Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshaman had started his Vanvas (exile) in the Bastar district (more precisely Dandakaranya region) of Chhattisgarh. They lived more than 10 years of their 14 years of Vanvas in different places of Chhattisgarh. One of the remarkable place is Shivrinarayan which is nearby Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Shivrinarayan was named after an old lady Shabari. When Ram visited Shabari she said "I do not have anything to offer other than my heart, but here are some berry fruits. May it please you, my Lord." Saying so, Shabari offered the fruits she had meticulously collected to Rama. When Rama was tasting them, Lakshmana raised the concern that Shabari had already tasted them and therefore unworthy of eating. To this Rama said that of the many types of food he had tasted, "nothing could equal these berry fruits, offered with such devotion. You taste them, then alone will you know. Whomsoever offers a fruit, leaf, flower or some water with love, I partake it with great joy." More details at Shabari.

Main gate, Mother Chandrahasini Devi temple, ChandrapurChanderpore is located at the confluence of the river Mand river, river of river and Mahanadi, in Dabhara tehsil of Janjgir-Champa district of Chhattisgarh. It is a temple of Lord Chandrahasini Devi. It is one of the Shakti Peeths of Siddha Shakti Peeth. One of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Manga Durga Mother is immortalized as a moonhasini. Due to the face of the Moon, its fame is known as the mother of Chandrahasini and Chandrashekhi.All of us have immense faith and trust. At the Mother's Court, coconut, agarbatti, floral and worshiping them The mother fulfills all the wishes of her children without selflessness. All devotees coming here will be able to fulfill their wishes. The Rthy. There is no limit to the faith of the devotees on the mother, as it is no limit on the compassionate devotees of the mother.

"Jai Maa Chandrahasini Your Grace Continues On My Son"

Jagdambika Durgayya Namah

4.Temple in Rajnandangaon District.

Bambleshwari Temple is at Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, India. It is on a hilltop of 1600 feet. This temple is referred as Badi Bambleshwari. Another temple at ground level, the Chhotti Bambleshwari is situated about 1/2 km from the main temple complex. These temples are revered by lakhs of people of Chhattisgarh who flock around the shrine during the Navratris of Kavar (during Dashera) and Chaitra (during Ram Navami). There is tradition of lighting Jyoti Kalashduring Navaratris here.

Location;- Dongargarh is 107 kilometers from Raipur, via Bhilai, Durg and Rajnandgaon. Dongargarh does not exactly fall on the massive Mumbai highway, a diversion some 25 km before, from the Calcutta-Mumbai National Highway (NH #6) leads the vehicle through lush green vegetation and mild forests on a narrow winding single road.

Dongargarh is 40 km from district headquarters Rajnandgaon and is well connected with buses from Rajnandgaon. Dongargarh is also well connected with trains. It is on the Mumbai - Howrah main line at a distance of 200 km from Nagpur and 100 km from Raipur . The nearest airport is at Raipur Airport.

5. Temple in Mahasamund District.

Sirpur is a village in Mahasamund district in the state of Chhattisgarh 78 km away from Raipur and 35 km from Mahasamund city^[2] on the banks of the river Mahanadi.^[3]

The village hosts the Sirpur Group of Monuments consisting of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries. These are dated from the 5th to 12th century. Some of these were visited in 1872 by Cunningham, who published his findings about the Laxman temple and its interesting carvings. Recent excavations have uncovered 12 Buddhist Viharas, 1 Jain Vihara, monolithic statues of Buddha and Mahavira, 22 Shiva temples and 5 Vishnu temples, underground granary market and a sixth century ‘snaan kund’ (public bath).

Location;- Sirpur, also referred to as Shripur, Sripura or Sripur (literally, "city of auspiciousness, abundance, Lakshmi") in ancient Indian texts and inscriptions, is a village on the Mahanadi River 78 kilometres (48 mi) east of Raipur.^[4] The closest airport is the Swami Vivekananda airport at Raipur (IATA: RPR), with daily flights to major cities in India. Sirpur is accessible from Raipur by a recently built four lane National Highway 53 and bus services. It is about 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of the highway after crossing the Mahanadi River. Sirpur is also connected by the national railway network through Raipur or Mahasamund railway stations.

Sirpur village is a major archaeological site along Mahanadi River. It was visited in 1872 by Alexander Cunningham, a colonial British India official. His report on a Laxman (Lakshmana) temple at Sirpur brought it to international attention. The location is mentioned in the memoirs of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang as a location of monasteries and temples. The site has been significant for its temple ruins of Rama and Lakshmana of the Ramayana fame, as well as those related to Shaivism, Shaktism, Buddhism and Jainism. The site excavations after 1950, particularly after 2003, have yielded 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples, 10 Buddha Viharas, 3 Jain Viharas, a 6th/7th century market and snana-kund (bath house). The site shows extensive syncretism, where Buddhist and Jain statues or motifs intermingle with Shiva, Vishnu and Devi temples.

6. Temple in Durg District.

Durg District is situated in Chhattisgarh state of India. Until 2000 it formed part of Madhya Pradesh. District headquarters is Durg. The district covers an area of km². As of 2011 it is the second most populous district of Chhattisgarh (out of 18), after Raipur.^[1]

The district is home to two important religious sites. The principal Hindu temple, the Ganga Maiyaat Jhalmala, Jain shrine of Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth at Nagpura (near Durg), attract pilgrims from all over India.The Langurveer Mandir is one and only Hindu Temple Devoted to God Langoorveer in India situated in Durg.

The town of Bhilai is home to the Bhilai Steel Plant. now durg has been divided into 3 major district namely Durg, Balod and Bemetara.

7. Temple in Korba District.

The Siva temple at Pali, the district headquarters of Korba, was a favourite of Raja Vikramaditya of the Banna dynasty. It is located near a tranquil nine-cornered sarovar which never dries up. Scattered around the temple site are a few ancient ruins. The temple itself, built around 870 BCE, has traces of the Khajuraho-style of temple building. Repairs were carried out by King Jajwalyadeo around the 12th century. His name can be found carved on the site. During repairs for setting up a boundary wall, two statues and two coins were also discovered here.

Explore siva temple

siva temple, Korba is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones. Enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. With so much to lure your senses and offer you recreation at its best, get drenched in the spirit of adventure that you get to explore at siva temple, Korba. Enjoy together all the points of popular interests and bring back several memorable moments. siva temple, Korba is not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well. So, check out the siva temple tourist spot for all the attractions that is on offer and visit this spot on weekends for a rejuvenating time. World standards, extraordinary architecture, innovative layouts, and well-thought execution make place a highly coveted point of tourist interest. Do not forget to carry your camera and capture special moments. siva temple, Korba is the sure way to refresh and relax after a busy weekday. Explore interesting themes, fabulous designs, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props and merchandise available in nearby stores- all at one place. siva temple, Korba is the best way to have a memorable time with kids and family. So, enjoy a fulfilling outing at siva temple in Korba

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छत्तीसगढ़ कि इस पावन धरा में ऐसे अनेको तीर्थ स्थल जो रहस्य से भरा पड़ा है| उसी में से एक तीर्थ स्थल है|

लक्ष्मणेश्वर महादेव मंदिर- खरौद

Lakshmaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Kharod ,Janjgir Champa-Chhattisgarh

लक्ष्मणेश्वर महादेव

छत्तीसगढ़ का काशी नगरी -खरौद

शिवलिंग के दर्शन होते है|इस शिवलिंग में आप जीतन जल डालोगे वह अन्दर समा जाता है| और जितना निकालो ख़त्म नहीं होता है| लोगो कि मानो तो इस शिवलिंग का जो पानी है वह पाताल लोक में जाता है| लक्ष्मण के द्वारा स्थापित होने के कारण इसे लक्ष्मणेश्वर महादेव ,लखनेश्वर महादेव (""लक्ष लिंग "")के नाम से जाना जाता है|

सवा लाख छिद्र वाला अनोखा शिवलिंग

इस शिवलिंग में सवा लाख चावल के दाने अर्पण करने से सभी मनोकामना पूर्ण होती है|

मंदिर के अन्दर दो शिलालेख है| गर्भ गृह से पहले दो स्तंभ है जिसमे| रामायण के कई प्रसंगों का चित्रांगन किया

गया है| मंदिर उचे पत्थर के चबूतरे पर स्थित है| मंदिर परिसर पर अनेक प्राचीन मुर्तिया है| मंदिर परिसर पर वहा की पुजारी की वंशावली लिखी गयी है| मंदिर के पीछे एक कुण्ड है|मान्यता है कि इसमें स्नान करने से सभी रोग दूर हो जाते है|सावन सोमवारी और महाशिवरात्रि में भारी जन सैलाब उमड़ता है| जिसमे अलग अलग क्षेत्र के लोग भगवान को जल अर्पण करने को आते है|यहाँ पर खर और दूषण कि नगरी होने के कारण इसे खरौद नगर कहा जाता है| यहाँ पर अनेक मंदिर है |तथा कई प्राचीन तालाब है| माता शबरी का प्राचीन मंदिर यही पर स्थित है| यह मंदिर संस्कृति एवं पुरातत्व विभाग द्वार संरक्षित ईमारत है |

कैसे पहुचे :- रायपुर से इसकी दुरी 119 किलोमीटर ,बिलासपुर से 62 कि.मी.,कसडोल से 29 किलोमीटर और शिवरीनारायण से 02 किलोमीटर की दुरी पर स्थित है|यह जांजगीर – चापा जिले के अन्दर आता है|नियमित रूप से बस ऑटो टैक्सी की सुविधा है| नजदीक ही निशुल्क शिवरीनारायण धर्म शाला है|

इन्हे भी जरूर देखे :-

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Sirpur Group of Monuments, Chattisgarh

Sirpur Group of Monuments are an archaeological and tourism site containing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monuments from the 5^th to 12^th centuries in Mahasamund district of the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The site is spread near the banks of the river Mahanadi. Sirpur Group of Monuments has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Monuments

Sirpur has been significant for its temple ruins of Rama and Lakshmana of the Ramayana fame, as well as those related to Shaivism, Shaktism, Buddhism and Jainism. The site excavations after 1950, particularly after 2003, have yielded 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples, 10 Buddha Viharas, 3 Jain Viharas, a 6^th /7^th century market, Palace and snana-Kund (bath house). The site shows extensive syncretism, where Buddhist and Jain statues or motifs intermingle with Shiva, Vishnu and Devi Temples.

Lakshmana Temple:

Rama Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Surang Tila:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Complex:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Gandheshwar Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Ananda Prabhu Vihara:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Teevardev Vihara:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Swastika Vihara:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Sirpur Stupa:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Ancient Citadel:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Rajmahal Complex:

For brief details, please refer below link;

ASI Museum:

For brief details, please refer below link;

Jain Monuments:

One Jain Basati and monastery ruins has been discovered near the river banks and about 100 meters from an 8^th Century Shiva temple. A bronze image of Adinatha (Rishaba, the first Tirthankara) was found in the ruins, and the image is dated to the 9^th century CE.

Rakela Tal is situated near the Rama Temple on the east side of the Sirpur road. It is a manmade lake. Ruins of an ancient fort, several Hindu and Buddhist monuments mixed in with farmlands and a modern era Krishna temple. As per local folklore, the tank has a paras stone. In ancient times, a shepherd from Sirpur noticed a goat joins his herd in the day and left in the evening. He decided to find the reason behind this mysterious happening.

One evening, he followed the goat and noticed that the goat went into the tank and disappeared. He was surprised to see the miracle and got confused. A stone was thrown to him and a divine voice was heard. It stated that the stone was the reward to his work in herding the goat. The cowherder got angry on seeing the stone as his reward. He struck the stone back to the tank with his axe. Later, he found his axe got turned into gold. He searched for the stone in tank, but he did not find.

Shiva Temple – 1:

This Shiva Temple was excavated in the premises near to Teevardev Monastery. It houses a 4.5 feet tall Shiva Linga in the sanctum.

Shiva Temple – 2:

This Shiva Temple is situated near to Ananda Prabhu Kuti Vihara, on the way to Senkapat. This Shiva Temple houses a Shiva Linga in its sanctum.

Shiva Temple – 3:

The Temple was Pancharatha on plan. It houses a 4 feet tall Shiva Linga in the sanctum.

Metal Idols

Sirpur was known for the mastery of creating metal idols in the 8^th Century AD. Metal idols were discovered in Sirpur as early as in 1939. Metal idols found here are showcased in Raipur, Nagpur, New Delhi museums and Mumbai's Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. Sirpur has always been in international limelight for its amazing excavations including the metal idols. These idols have also been sported in Germany, England and America. Some of the famous idols are Buddha, Avalokitesawara Padampani, Vajrapani, Manjushri, Tara and intricately crafted Vishnu & Rishabhnath idols.

Connectivity

Sirpur is located at about 37 Kms from Mahasamund, 38 Kms from Mahasamund Railway Station, 45 Kms from Arang, 74 Kms from Raipur Airport and 82 Kms from Raipur. Sirpur Village is situated on the banks of the river Mahanadi in Mahasamund District in the state of Chhattisgarh. Sirpur is accessible from Raipur by a four-lane National Highway 53. Regular bus services connect Raipur and Sirpur. The nearest railway station is Mahasamund Railway Station. The nearest airport is the Swami Vivekananda airport at Raipur with daily flights to major cities in India.

Location

Surang Tila, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Surang Tila is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vinayaga, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Surang Tila is the largest Temple complex built on a raised platform. The Temple is under protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

As per the inscription, the temple was built during the period of Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna. This temple complex was unearthed during the excavation carried in the year 2005 – 2006.

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

Surang Tila is the largest Temple complex in Sirpur built on a raised platform. It is one of the highest in Central India. The Temple complex is facing west. The temple is made out of white stone. The platform is about 30 feet above ground level. There are 37 stone steps connecting the raised platform to the ruined mandapa in the ground level. The raised platform has Maha Mandapam once but now only the pillars remains. There are remains of thirty-two ornate pillars arranged in four rows strewn all around which once held the roof.

There are five sanctums in the platform. The three Eastern and Northern Sanctums have Shiva Lingas and the southern sanctum has the Idol of Ganapati. The remaining sanctum houses an idol of Vishnu. The architecture reminds Panchayatana form of temple. The stone door jambs of each of the sanctums as well as the pillars have intricate carvings depicting Narasimha, other sculptures of various gods, goddesses, asuras & apsaras and animals.

Below the temple terrace, are ruins of two buildings, one likely a residence for priests and monks, another a small tantric temple with Shodasa (16 faced) Shiva Linga possibly from ancient period. It used to be a soil mound with tunnels (Surang) used by the locals, but the temple was excavated between 2006 and 2007. An inscription was found during the excavation, now kept in the Raipur museum.

Connectivity

Khallari Mata Temple, Mahasamund, Chattisgarh

Khallari Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Khallari Mata located in Khallari in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the top hillock.

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

There was no temple atop the Khallari hill initially. There was only a stone with a fingerprint of the mother. The stairs leading to hill top and small temple at hill top were built in 1940.

The Temple

The Khallari Mata Temple is situated on a hillock. There are about 900 steps to reach this Temple. There is a resting place after crossing 800 steps. This place provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. The Temple houses Khallari Mata in the form of stone her finger imprints.

Festivals

Navaratri and annual mela during Chaitra are celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Bhimkhoj Railway Station, 13 Kms from Bagbahara, 25 Kms from Mahasamund, 44 Kms from Arang, 74 Kms from Raipur Airport and 82 Kms from Raipur. The Temple is situated on Mahasamund to Bagbahara Route.

Rama Temple, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Rama Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This Temple is situated oopposite to Lakshmana Temple. This Temple is considered as one of brick-built Temples in Sirpur and it is now in ruins. The Temple is under protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

This east facing Rama Temple is one of the twin temples constructed over a raised platform built of dressed stones. The special feature of this temple is that it represents an early example of the regional tradition of temples of south Kosala having stellate (star shaped) plan for construction. Remnants of only one of the twin temples are surviving whereas other one can be seen on the plan only.

This Temple is one of brick-built Temples in Sirpur. This Temple is well maintained and enclosed within a compound. The Temple is now in ruins. The Temple consists of Mandapam and Sanctum. The walls of Sanctum, Antrala and pillared Mandapam remains. The roof and tower over the sanctum was completely lost. Few broken idols are housed in the Mandapam and Sanctum.

The remains of the priest's residence can be seen towards the south of the temple. Excavations in 2003 – 2004 have revealed three underground chambers on the back portion of priest's residence, probably meant for granary. Another structure towards east is supposedly a workshop of conch bangles as evident by conches and conch bangles including unfinished ones recovered from a cell in abundance during excavations.

Connectivity

Rajmahal Complex, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Rajmahal Complex is ruins of an ancient palace complex located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Palace ruins is situated in the right bank of river Mahanadi.

History

The remains was excavated in 2000 – 2001 CE. This palace ruins was discovered by Dr. A. K. Sharma. He named the structure as Rajmahal. It was found during excavation that destruction of this structure was due to conflagration because of the presence of large number of burnt brick, burnt soul, utensil and charcoal in the site. A clay seal written with Shivagupta Rajas in Brahmi script of 7^th century AD was recovered from one of the rooms in the site. Hence, the ruins can be dated to 7^th Century AD.

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The Palace Ruins

This is an ancient remains of palace situated on the banks of river Mahanadi. The remains of foundation with dressed stones whereas the super structure was constructed by burnt-bricks. Open Verandas can be found in three sides of this structure and several rooms were constructed with a provision to hold wooden pillars. The palace has three entrance and remains of the wall can be found to a certain level.

Connectivity

Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This Temple belongs to the mature phase of Gupta architecture can be assigned to the 7^th century CE. This Temple is considered as one of best brick-built Temple in India. The Temple is under protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The foundation inscription about the temple construction was found in the debris of this temple and is kept now in Raipur Museum. It is the largest inscription found at Sirpur. The inscription mentions that Vasata, the mother of Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna and the daughter of Suryavarman, the king of Magadha constructed this Temple in memory of her husband after his death.

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The Temple

This Temple is considered as one of best brick-built Temple in India. This Temple is well maintained and enclosed within a compound. The Temple stands on a platform facing east. The platform measures about 77 feet long, 39 feet broad and 6 feet high. The platform is built in stone however the temple is entirely made in brick. The temple is Pancharatha on plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and mandapa.

The mandapa is completely in ruins except its pillar bases. The Mandapa is enclosed by two side walls and has remnants of two rows of pillars, eight in each row with corresponding pilaster on side wall. The Sanctum and the (Shikara) tower over the sanctum is intact. Only the top portion of Shikara was lost.

The Sanctum is square in shape. The idol housed in the sanctum is missing. The door frame in stone at the entrance to the sanctum is an example of outstanding architecture. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu as his avatars are found on door jambs. The lintel contains an image of Lord Vishnu in Ananda Sayana posture along with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi and a panel on Krishna from Bhagavata Purana.

Connectivity

Gandheshwar Temple, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Gandheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. This is a living Temple with regular Poojas.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The temple is built without a platform. This is a live temple and many pilgrims come here for worship. It is generally believed that the present temple is a reconstruction of the much older original one, which had succumbed to the ravages of time. There is a Buddha idol in Bhumisparsha Mudra under a tree inside the Temple. The Temple has been renovated completely and lost its antique nature. Idols of Chamunda, Mahishasura Mardini, Gangadhara Shiva, Nataraja, Uma Mahesvara, Vishnu on Garuda and Vamana, Trimurti and Navagraha in the temple premises are worth mentioning.

There are several Inscriptions found in the temple premises. All these inscriptions talks about grant, poojas, donations, exploits of Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna and geography of the surrounding areas. All these inscriptions were found on the plinth, pillars, sculptures and gateways of the Temple premises. There is a stone slab, part of the temple wall has a Sanskrit inscription in Nagari script, starting with Om symbol and dedicated to Shiva, has been dated to the 8^thCentury CE.

Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Complex, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Complex is an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This Temple Complex is situated at about 200 meters to the northwest of Teevardev Monastery.

History

This Temple Complex was built by the Shaiva king Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna and is dated to the mid-8^th century. The Temple Complex has been named after him. He is also attributed to have built most of the monuments at Sirpur. This Complex came to lime light during the excavations in 2003 – 2004.

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The Temple

There are about three-four temples in this complex. Three Shiva Temples excavated in the complex are built upon a jagati, high raise platform, similar to the Laxman Temple. Only foundation is visible for another Temple. Two Temples dedicated to Balesvara and Udayesvara are located adjacent to each and are facing west. Both the temples have a mandapa, an antarala and star shaped sanctum. The corners of the platform have remains of subsidiary shrines indicating Panchayatana form of temple.

The biggest temple of the complex has its sanctum door intact, though it seems that it was redone during the excavation. Ganga and Yamuna are seen on either side of the door. There are lady attendants also seen. No lintel has survived however there is a broken Shiva Linga inside the sanctum. Many ruins of pillars and images are strewn around the site. The residence of the priest was constructed on the southern side of the complex.

ASI Museum, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

ASI Museum is archeological museum run by Archaeological Survey of India, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is situated in the Lakshmana Temple premises.

The Museum

This is a small museum, situated in Lakshmana Temple premises. The Museum houses the artefacts like sculptures and archaeological ruins found during excavations in the 1950s and in the 2000s. Most of these artefacts belong to Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddha and Jain religions. These artefacts are variously dated to between 6^th and 12^th centuries. Sculptures and idols of Lord Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardini, Surya, Saptamatrika, Chaturmukha Shiva Linga and Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra in this museum are worth mentioning.

Connectivity

Location

Ancient Citadel, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Ancient Citadel is remains of an ancient city located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The extensive site was excavated in between 2007 – 2011 unearthed several structural remains of ancient period. This ancient citadel has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

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The Citadel

The excavated remains of the citadel are well planned residential houses with approaches, streets, drainage system and steps. The remains remind us a well-planned urban city. Remains of the furnace of the blacksmith and goldsmith, the residence of the sculptor of Bronze and stone, huge size granary chamber, Ayurvedic bath therapeutic tub and laboratory. Stone paved long and wide roads, a brick-built guard tower in the centre reminds a well-developed town fit for capital city.

Connectivity

Location

Jagannath Temple, Khallari, Chattisgarh

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu located in Khallari in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple of Khallari Mata is situated on a nearby hillock.

Legends

It is believed that this temple had been constructed in six Masi nights.

History

The Temple was built by Devapal, a cobbler, in 1415 CE as per the inscription in Ghasidas Museum in Raipur. The place has been mentioned as Khalwatika in the inscription.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and sixteen pillared Mandapam. The temple follows Nagara style architecture. The Temple is Pancharatha on plan. The Sanctum houses idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Few ancient sculptures are kept in front of the Temple. There is a small pond nearby.

Festivals

Chaitra Purnima is celebrated here with much fanfare. Jagannath Yatra is celebrated here every year with great pomp.

Connectivity

Location

Sirpur Stupa, Chattisgarh

Sirpur Stupa is an ancient Buddhist Stupa, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Sirpur Stupa has been excavated recently. It is believed to be built by Emperor Ashoka. This place is not known to many in Sirpur and road to this place is also not well maintained. Sirpur Stupa has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

Connectivity

Location

Swastika Vihara, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Swastika Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is situated near Ananda Prabhu Vihara. The Vihara is known as Swastik Vihara as it resembles the swastika symbol in aerial view. This Vihara has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

Swastika Vihara came into light during the excavations of 1953 – 55 by M G Dixit.

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Vihara

The Vihara is known as Swastik Vihara as it resembles the swastika symbol in aerial view. The Vihara stands on a high platform made of bricks. The entrance is completely built of dressed stone. It has been observed that the outer wall of the monastery has been provided with an additional layer of construction at a later date possibly to strengthen the structure.

The Sanctum houses a 2.5-meter-high colossal image of Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra. Buddha is shown with Padamapani, carrying a fly-whisk in one hand and another hand is on his waist. There is a red sand stone sculpture of Hariti in the premises. This sculpture was found during recent excavation.

Connectivity

Location

Teevardev Vihara, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Teevardev Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Vihara is considered as the biggest monastery in Dakshin Kosala region. The Vihara is situated about 1 Km from Lakshmana Temple. This Vihara has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

As per the foundation inscription, the monastery was built by Somavanshi King Teevardev in 7^th – 8^th Century CE. It remained in use during reign of his nephew Harshagupta and grandson Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna. The Vihara was exposed during excavation in the year 2003,

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Vihara

This is a west facing vihara. It consists of sanctum, pillared Mandapam and Ardha mandapam. The pillared mandapa has corridors on all sides with a small tank at the centre meant for ablution. The Sanctum houses a large idol of Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra on a decorated pedestal. The idol of Buddha is flanked by two female devotees, one on either side. The doorway in the Vihara is worth mentioning.

It depicts scenes of Buddha's life and Panchatantra stories (friendship of crocodile and monkey, the snake catching frog, fighting bison, honey bees, birds, erotic couple and animal figures). All these scenes are profusely carved in the doorway. Small cells with opening to the corridor are provided on the northern and southern sides possibly tor the residential purpose.

Connectivity

Ananda Prabhu Vihara, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Ananda Prabhu Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Vihara had a temple and 14 room monastery. This Vihara has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

History

Ananda Prabhu Kuti Vihara was built by Buddhist Monk Anand Prabhu (also called as Ananda Prabha in few inscriptions), under the patronage of Hindu King Maha Sivagupta Balarjuna. This vihara was excavated during 1953-55 excavation carried out by M G Dixit. There is a foundation inscription dated to 7^th – 8^th Century CE found during excavations. The inscription clearly states that the monastery was built by Buddhist Monk Anand Prabhu during the reign of King Maha Sivagupta Balarjuna.

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Vihara

The Vihara had a temple and 14 room monastery. Dvarapalas carved on stone pillars can be found at the main entrance. The temple consists of Ardha Mandapa, a pillared mandapa and Sanctum. The sanctum houses a colossal image of Buddha (6.5 ft. height). He is accompanied with Padampani, shown carrying a lotus stalk in one hand and showing abhaya mudra in his other hand. He is depicted in Bhumisparsha Mudra (posture of touching the earth).

Connectivity

Location

Sahaspur Shiva Temple, Durg, Chattisgarh

Sahaspur Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Sahaspur Village in Durg District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple complex consists of Shiva Temple and Hanuman Temple.

Legends

As per legend, Once local villagers from the surrounding area including Sahaspur, Navakesha, Lalpur, Luk, Bundeli, Garadih decided to anoint the Shivalinga in the sanctum on the day of Maha Shivaratri due to severe famine in the villages. They fetched water from the nearby reservoir in anointing the Linga. Water poured on the Linga got disappeared. Out of curious, the villagers decided to submerge the Lingam in water.

The Villagers poured gallons of water to the Shiva Linga. To their surprise, all the waters got disappeared. The villagers then felt that the decision to submerge Shiva Linga with water was an act of arrogance. In an act of repentance, the villagers decided to conduct a fair in honour of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivarathri Day.

History

The temple was built in the 13^th – 14^th Century CE during the period of the Phani Nagavanshi Kings.

The Temple

The Temple complex consists of two Temples. One dedicated to Lord Shiva and other dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Temples follows Nagara Style architecture. Both the temples are facing east. The Shiva Temple consists of Sanctum and fourteen pillared mandapa. The sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. The Linga is considered to be Swayambhu (Self originated). The Sanctum is situated at a level below from the Mandapam.

The ground of the pavilion is about 4 feet high from the sanctum sanctorum. Nataraja and Nardana Vinayaga can be seen at the external walls of the temple. The Hanuman Temple consists of a sanctum and eight pillared Mandapa. The sanctum houses an idol of Hanuman. The Hanuman idol is of recent origin.

Festivals

A fair is held on Mahashivaratri at this Temple every year.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Deokar, 13 Kms from Dhamdha, 13 Kms from Dhamdha Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Bemetra, 45 Kms from Durg Railway Station, 46 Kms from Durg, 67 Kms from Raipur and 83 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated at about 6 Kms to the south west of Deokar village located on Bemetra-Durg Road.

Ramachandra Temple, Rajim, Chattisgarh

Ramachandra Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Rajim Town in Gariaband District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Rajim is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi river, just below its junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of three rivers, it is often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region, Chattisgarh. Rajim was also called as Kamal Kshetra and Padmapur.

History

The Temple was built by Govind Lal, a renowned banker and a merchant from Raipur, in 16^th Century CE.

The Temple

The Temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mandapa. It is said that the material used to build this temple belonged to the ruins of temples from Sirpur. There are two pilasters has idol of Ganga which clearly shows that these pilasters were brought from two different temple ruins. Most of the pillars in this temple have life size sculptures similar to Rajiv Lochan Temple. There is a label inscription reading Sri Lokbala on one of the pilaster.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Rajim Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Rajim Railway Station, 20 Kms from Abhanpur, 32 Kms from Mahasamund, 34 Kms from Arang, 39 Kms from Raipur Airport, 45 Kms from Gariaband and 50 Kms from Raipur. Devotees need to take National Highway 30 from Raipur. Travel till Abhanpur and from there, take National Highway 130 C to reach Rajim.

Location

Rajiv Lochan Temple, Rajim, Chattisgarh

Rajiv Lochan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Rajim Town in Gariaband District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Rajim is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi river, just below its junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of three rivers, it is often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region, Chattisgarh. Rajim was also called as Kamal Kshetra and Padmapur.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

There are two foundation inscriptions, one on southern wall and the other on the northern wall of the mandapa. Inscription on northern wall is dated to first half of 8^th Century CE and mentions about the construction of a Vishnu Temple by a king Vilasatunga of Nala dynasty. The other inscription on the southern wall of the mandapa, mentions construction of a Rama temple by Jagatpal in 1145 CE.

British archeologist J D Beglar visited Rajim in 1871-72 and reported the temples in his memoirs. As he was not allowed to enter inside the temples, his information is very limited. Famous British archeologist Alexander Cunningham, visited Rajim in 1881-82, described the temples in great detail.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

Rajim Kumbh is celebrated every year during mid-Feb to March spread over a span of 15 days. Rajim Kumbh attracts thousands of Naga Sadhus, Sants, Mahatmas, Rishis, Munis and Margdarshak Gurus from across India and beyond. The Rajim Kumbh is arranged at the confluence of three rivers in Rajim also known as Triveni Sangam. Within the same festival, an event Rajim Lochan Mahotsav is held between 16 February and 1 March. The various music and dance performances conducted in the fair displays the rich culture of Rajim.

Connectivity

Location

It is

said the town is named after Rajim Telin. The town was known as Padmavati

Puri in ancient times. As the town was situated at the confluence of rivers

Mahanadi, Sondhur and Pairi, this place was fertile, especially for

oilseeds. The villagers cultivated oilseeds and extracted oil. Dharma

Das, an oil dealer, lived with his wife Shanti in the town. Both of them were

ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu, both were great devotees of Vishnu. The

couples had a daughter named Rajim. They got their daughter married to Amar

Das. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajim

was also an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. There was a Temple without the idol

in its sanctum. She used to visit this temple and worship Lord Vishnu. There is

a story behind the absence of idol in the sanctum. In the Satya Yuga, there was

a king named Raja Ratnakar, performing yajna, but the yajna was not completed

due to the continuous harassment of the demons. King Ratnakar performed penance

on Lord Vishnu to help him in completing the Yajna. Lord Vishnu reached the

Yagna place in time and helped the King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">King

Ratnakar remembered Rajiv Lochan, the incarnation of Vishnu and began to

perform harsh austerities. The king's enthronement reached Vishnu, he also

heard Lakshmi. Lakshmi requested that Vishnu reach there at the same time

to help Ratnakar. Vishnu reached there and completed the yajna. Lord

Vishnu left a lotus flower on the earth and instructed Vishwakarma to build a

Temple on the Lotus flower. Vishwakarma built a magnificent temple overnight.

King Ratnakar worshipped Rajiv Lochan at this temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">After

many years passed, Kandra Raja of Kanker came to see the temple on hearing the

greatness of the Lord. During his visit, the place was converted into forest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The King of Kanker decided that such

magnificent idol should be enshrined in his Kingdom. Then the king of Kanker

forcibly lifted the idol and placed it in a boat and sat himself in another

boat and started going towards his kingdom Kanker in Mahanadi River. A

heavy storm ensued and the King of Kanker along with his boat sank in the

waters of Mahanadi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Once,

Rajim went for a bath, she saw a black stone in the river. She decided to use

the black stone on top of the oil extractor. Her business started to grow

after the black stone came into her possession. A King named Jagatpal was

ruling over the surrounding area. Lord Vishnu appeared in King Jagat Pal dreams

and asked him to get the black stone and install in the temple. King Jagatpal

demanded the black stone from Rajim but she refused flatly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Then, King

Jagat Pal offered Rajib gold equal to the weight of the black stone, but she

refused. At last she agreed to exchange the stone with queen’s nose ring and on

promise that the temple should be named after her. Jagat Pal constructed this

temple and named it after her name as per his promise. One day, Rajim sat at

the temple door of Rajiv Lochan and attained Jeeva Samadhi. Devotees celebrate

Rajiv Bhakti Mata Mahotsava on Basant Panchami.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajiv Lochan:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">According

to a legend, Lord Vishnu in the sanctum sanctorum was actually called as Lochan

and was once moved away by Goddess Rajiv. The villagers were so worried about

the disappearance of their favourite Lord and protector. Villagers begged Goddess

to return the Lord’s idol. Appeased by their humble request, Goddess Rajiv agreed

on condition that her name would henceforth be associated with the Lord. Hence,

the deity came to be called as Rajiv Lochan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Aswamedha Yagna by Lord Rama:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">When Lord

Rama performed Ashvamedha Yagna, a King named Rajiv Lochana was ruling over the

region. When the sacrificial horse reached this place, the king seized it and

handed over to sage Kardama. Shatrugna was accompanying the horse with his army

tried to take it from sage Kardama by force but was reduced to ashes by him. Lord

Rama on hearing the news of the death of his brother soon reached Rajim.

However, King Rajiv Lochana met him and pacified him. Lord Rama ordered the

king to set up an image in his name and call it Rajiv Lochana. He further

pleased Sage Kardama and got back Shatrugna to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Lord Vishnu granted a boon to

Rajba:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">As per

legend, a lady named Rajba, a Telin (oil dealer), used to worship Lord Vishnu regularly.

She was worshipping Lord Vishnu continuously<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 

</span>for 12 years. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Vishnu granted a boon to

her. She requested Lord Vishnu to stay in this place permanently and her name

should precede Lord Vishnu in worship. Lord Vishnu granted the boon as per her

wish. Hence, her name is uttered first before invoking Rajiv Lochan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Poojas performed by Kshatriya

community:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Local

King Ratnakar was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. and his ardent devotion to

Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu in the form of Rajiv Lochan,

appeared before him and granted him a boon that King Ratnakar would continue to

see the Lord in this form forever, and after him, his descendants would

continue to serve the Lord in the temple premises. This is perhaps the reason

why even to this day, the puja and archana at the temple are offered by the

Kshatriya community, the descendants of Raja Ratnakar, ably assisted by

purohits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Panchakoshi Dham:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">As per

legend, Lord Vishnu asked Lord Vishwakarma to find a place on earth where

nobody was ever cremated within a five-mile radius. Lord Vishnu wanted to build

a temple there. Lord Vishwakarma failed to find the place as requested by Lord

Vishnu. Frustrated, Lord then picked up a lotus and proclaimed that his temple

would be built wherever the lotus fell. The drops of nectar fell in Rajim,

exactly where the famous Rajiv Lochan temple stands, while the five petals

became part of what is known as Panchakoshi Dham - Kuleshwar, Fingeshwar,

Kopeshwar, Patneshwar and Pateshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Jagannath Temple:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Jagannath

Temple is situated near northern entrance of Rajiv Lochan temple. There is a

tradition that people belonged to various castes ate together without any

difference similar to Jagannath Temple. Once, Lord Rajiv Lochan appeared in a

dream of a priest and asked him to discontinue this service, as the pilgrims

are not at all going to Puri Jagannath Temple as their wishes were getting

fulfilled here. Since then tradition of eating together without differences was

discontinued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Temple built in single day:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">As per

local folklore, Jagat Pal, a mythical king, is supposed to have built this

temple in a single day. His idol, resembling like sitting Buddha, is housed in

one of the sanctums of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Lord Vishwakarma established the

Shrine:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">It is

believed that the shrine was established by the celestial architect, Lord

Vishwakarma, who sculpted the four-armed Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi

on the right side and Yoga Maya on the left. Further, between a pair of arms,

he carved the episodic Gajendra Moksha with the elephant holding aloft the

lotus flower, offering it to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Kamalkshetra:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajim is

believed to stand on a lotus-shaped surface was referred to as Kamalkshetra and

Padampur in ancient times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Prayaga of Chattisgarh:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajim

is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern

bank of Mahanadi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>river, just below its

junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of

three rivers, it is often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region,

Chattisgarh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Mahanadi equivalent to Ganga:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Mahanadi

enjoys the same status as that of Ganga in Chattisgarh hence taking bath and

performing rituals at the bank Mahanadi is considered very sacred. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajim Mahatmya:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Rajim Mahatmya

mentions that Mahanadi is known as Chitrotpala below its junction with Pairi

and Utpalesvara before the junction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>

<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">Journey to Jagannath Temple:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -10.0pt;">It is

believed that journey to Jagannath Temple of Orissa is not complete without a

visit to Rajim

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/rajiv-lochan-temple-rajim-legends.html

Rajiv Lochan Temple, Rajim – The Temple

The main entrance to the temple compound is from west however a small entrance is provided at north also. The entrance on the western side is heavily ornamanted. There is an image of Ananda Sayana Vishnu in the center of the door lintel. An image of Gaja Lakshmi can be seen just below the central image of Ananda Sayana Vishnu. This courtyard is 147 feet in length and 102 feet in width.

The temple is classified as a Panchatanaya Temple where the main shrine was surrounded by four subsidiary shrines in the four corners around the temple. Rajiv Lochan shrine stands in center, shrine for Narasimha on north-west corner, shrine for Badrinath on north-east corner, shrine for Vamana on south-east corner and a shrine for Varaha on south-west corner. The shrines at the corners are smaller in size and shikhara similar to the central shrine.

All these shrines have their respective deities except the shrine of Badrinath. It houses an image of Vishnu. These shrines and the compound wall of the temple complex were constructed after the construction of the main temple. The main temple is facing towards east. The Temple is constructed over a raised platform. It consists of sanctum, antarala and mandapa. The Mandapa can be approached from the north by flight of steps.

The Mandapa is supported by two rows of six pillars each, and twelve pilasters, six on either side. All the pilasters are carved with life size sculptures. Sculptures of Rama, Sita, Ganga, Narasimha, Varaha, Yamuna, Durga, Surya and Dvarapalas can be seen in these pilasters. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum houses a black stone image of Lord Vishnu. He is holding gada (club), shankha (conch), chakra (discus) and lotus.

The idol of Vishnu is bare footed. It is a unique feature nowhere else to be seen. The deity is always draped in unstitched cloth that is never knotted at the ends but left folded. The pagri or turban adorning the Lord’s crown is woven by generations of a single family and the Lord is bedecked thrice every day in three different forms: as a child in the morning, as a youth in the afternoon and as an old man in the evening.

There is an image of Garuda on the lintel of the sanctum door. The Sanctum is crowned with Shikara. The Shikara is of four tiers and is about 50 feet high. There is an idol of Lord Buddha in the meditative position under the Bodhi tree carved out of black stone, situated on one corner of the inner courtyard. Locals identify this idol with the image of the King Jagat Pal.

There are two foundation inscriptions, one on southern wall and the other on the northern wall of the mandapa. Inscription on northern wall is dated to first half of 8^th Century CE and mentions about the construction of a Vishnu Temple by a king of Nala dynasty. The other inscription on the southern wall of the mandapa, mentions construction of a Rama temple by Jagatpal in 1145 CE.

Rajeshvar Temple:

This Temple is facing towards east. It is located opposite to the western entrance of Rajiv Lochan Temple. It is constructed over a raised platform. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mandapa. The mandapa is supported on two rows of pillars and a row of pilaster on either side. Images of river goddess Ganga and Yamuna can be found on two opposite pilasters at the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Rajeshvar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Sanctum is square in plan. Dvarapalas can be found at the entrance of sanctum. Nandi can be found in Antrala facing the sanctum.

Daneshvar Temple:

This Temple is situated very close to Rajeshvar Temple on the southern side. It is also constructed over a raised platform. The Temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Nandi Mandapa and Maha Mandapam. Nandi Mandapa is unique because no other temples in Rajim have Nandi Mandapa.

Jagannath Temple:

Jagannath Temple is situated near northern entrance of Rajiv Lochan temple. The sanctum houses a wooden image of Jagannath.

Rajim Telin Temple:

Rajim Telin Temple is located to the west of Rajeshvar Temple. It houses a sati stone like structure inside the sanctum.

Someshvar Mahadev Temple:

Someshvar Mahadev Temple is a newly constructed temple over the site of an ancient Temple. It is situated little away from the river in residential colony.

Pancheshvar Mahadev and Bhuteshvar Mahadeva Temples:

Pancheshvar Mahadev Temple and Bhuteshvar Mahadeva Temple are situated side by side near the river bank.

Kuleshwar Temple, Rajim, Chattisgarh

Kuleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rajim Town in Gariaband District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Rajim is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi river, just below its junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of three rivers, it is often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region, Chattisgarh. Rajim was also called as Kamal Kshetra and Padmapur.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The temple was built in 9^th Century CE as per the inscriptions available in the Maha Mandapam. British archeologist J D Beglar visited Rajim in 1871-72 and reported the temples in his memoirs. As he was not allowed to enter inside the temples, his information is very limited. Famous British archeologist Alexander Cunningham, visited Rajim in 1881-82, described the temples in great detail. This temple was completely submerged when there was a flood in Rajim in 1967. Only the Kalasha was visible. There was no damage to the temple due to this flood.

The Temple

This Temple is situated on an island formed by Pairi and Mahanadi rivers. The Temple is facing towards east. This temple is constructed over a raised platform (Jagati) at about 17 feet high. The raised platform is octagonal instead of regular rectangular shape as seen in other temples. There are steps to reach the platform on three sides. There is also a huge Peepal tree on this platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa.

The sanctum houses Kuleshwar in the form of Lingam. The Mandapa is about 26 feet long. It is supported on two rows of pillars and pilasters on side walls. The Mandapa is closed on sides. The pillars are decorated richly with sculptures. There is a female figure on outer pilaster, shown standing on a peacock. This could be representation of Sarasvati as a river goddess.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Rajim Railway Station, 4 Kms from Rajim Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Abhanpur, 34 Kms from Arang, 35 Kms from Mahasamund, 38 Kms from Raipur Airport, 47 Kms from Gariaband and 48 Kms from Raipur. Devotees need to take National Highway 30 from Raipur. Travel till Abhanpur and from there, take National Highway 130 C to reach Rajim.

Palari Shiva Temple, Durg, Chattisgarh

Palari Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Palari Village near Dhamtari in Durg District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of Deva Talab Pond. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

History

The Temple was built by Nagavanshi Kings during 14^th – 15^th Century CE.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and 16 pillared Mandapam. The Sanctum houses the Shiva Linga. The pillars of Mandapa are decorated with Kirtimukha motif. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. It is situated in the 16 pillared Mandapam.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 17 Kms from Dhamtari, 17 Kms from Dhamtari Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Dhamtari Railway Station, 27 Kms from Gunderdehi, 39 Kms from Balod and 73 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Dhamtari – Gunderdehi Route.

Location

Navagaon Shiva Temple, Chattisgarh

Navagaon Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Navagaon Village near Raipur City in Raipur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of a large pond. This Temple is a best example of brick temple of later period found in Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per local folklore, the builders pledged to build the temple only in night time. When they were about to place the deity in the sanctum, the night turned out to be day. Hence, the builders did not the place the deity in the sanctum as per their pledge. Hence, the sanctum doesn’t have a deity in the sanctum till date.

History

The Temple was believed to be built around 16^th – 17^th Century CE but the doorframe and pillars of the temple seems to be brought from an earlier ruined temple dated to 12^th – 13^th Century CE.

The Temple

The Temple was built on a raised platform. The Temple consists of sanctum antarala and a pillared mandapa. There is no deity at the sanctum at present. The doorframe of the sanctum and pillars of the mandapa are older than the walls of the temple. They might be brought from an earlier ruined temple. There is a newly built temple for Lord Vishwanath Mahadev and Goddess Ambika Devi nearby.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Raipur Airport, 20 Kms from Raipur Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Raipur and 22 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station. The Temple is situated in Navagaon Village on the right side of National Highway 53 on Raipur – Arang route, on the bund of the tank.

Janjgir Shiva Temple, Chattisgarh

Janjgir Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Janjgir Town in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of Bhima Talab Pond. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. This Temple is situated close to the Janjgir Vishnu Temple, opposite side of the road.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The Temple

The temple follows Nagara style architecture. The Temple consists of frontal porch and sanctum. The main door consists of images of river goddesses, Ganga & Yamuna, and Dvarapalas. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva in the centre and Lord Brahma & Lord Vishnu at extreme end can be found in the door lintel.

Navagrahas can be found in between the Hindu trinity. Lord Shiva in Nataraja posture can be seen in the second slab of the lintel. There are two niches on each side. One set is present over Vimana and other set is present over Mandapa. Kartikeya, Ganesha, Chamunda, Gajasamharamurti, Harihara Veenadhara etc. can be found in these niches.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Janjgir Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Janjgir Naila Railway Station, 10 Kms from Champa, 51 Kms from Bilaspur, 58 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 150 Kms from Raipur and 158 Kms from Raipur Airport. Janjgir is well connected by railways and roads and is connected to major cities like Bilaspur and Raipur through National Highway. Public buses ply from Bilaspur on regular intervals.

Janjgir is a connected with SEC railway and its railway station is Janjgir-Naila. It is well connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways. The station is on the main Mumbai-Kolkata (Calcutta) rail line with daily connections to Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Nagpur, Puri, Vishakhapatnam and Ahmedabad.

Location

Mahadev Temple, Narayanpur, Chattisgarh

Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Narayanpur Village in Baloda Bazar – Bhatapara District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of Mahanadi River. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built during the 13^th – 14^th Century CE.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of 16 pillared mandapam and Sanctum. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. River goddess Ganga & Yamuna can be found at the entrance door of sanctum. Various incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be found in the external walls of the sanctum. Yakshas, Gandharvas, animal bird and erotic sculptures can be found on the walls of the temple.

There is another temple situated next to the main temple. This Temple is facing towards west. There is no idol inside the sanctum. The sculptures and idols recovered from the excavation around the temple have been kept in small museum situated in the temple premises. This museum has a life size idol of a local King. There is a garden built around the temple. The Temple is enclosed within a compound wall.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Kasdol, 40 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 41 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 65 Kms from Bhatapara Railway Station, 66 Kms from Bhatapara and 113 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Kasdol to Sirpur Route. This temple is located at about 2 Kms away from the main road.

Janjgir Vishnu Temple, Chattisgarh

Janjgir Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu located in Janjgir Town in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the banks of Bhima Talab Pond. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

Janjgir was known as Jajallapura in ancient times. Jajallapura was founded by the Kalchuri King Jajalladeva I in 12^th Century CE as per Ratanpur inscription. Hence, the temple can be assigned to Kalchuri King Jajalladeva I. The construction of the temple began in the 12^th century, but it was never completed. They tried to construct the temple in two parts. Unfortunately, they could not assemble the two parts in time. Usually the construction of a temple can be understood by the architecture of its Shikhara (crowning). However, this temple does not have any Shikhara. Hence, the temple came to be called as Nakata Mandir (Incomplete Temple) by the locals.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. The temple is built of red clay bricks and constructed over a high raised platform. The temple is built on Saptaratha plan. It consists of a mandapa, antarala and sanctum. The main door consists of images of river goddesses, Ganga & Yamuna, Dvarapalas and human form of weapons of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu in the centre and Lord Brahma & Lord Shiva at extreme end can be found in the door lintel.

Navagrahas can be found in between the Hindu trinity. An image of Lord Vishnu riding over Garuda is present in the second slab of the lintel. Presiding Deity is Lord Vishnu, housed in the sanctum. The idol of Lord Vishnu has four arms, each holding flower, conch, wheel and Abhaya hasta.

Rare idols of Gandharvas and Kinnaras are also found here. There are many small miniature panels found in the platform walls. These miniature panels depicts scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Friezes of elephant and lion run around the temple walls. Dashavatara images of Vishnu and images of Shaiva can be found on the external walls.

Connectivity

Nagpura Shiva Temple, Durg, Chattisgarh

Nagpura Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nagpura Village near Durg City in Durg District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built during the reign of Kalchuri rulers in 12^th Century A.D.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. This temple is Pancharatha in plan. The Temple consists of sanctum only. The decorative doorjambs consists of river goddess Ganga & Yamuna and Dvarapalas. Images of Ganesha, Hari Hara and Brahma can be found on the exterior walls of the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Durg, 11 Kms from Durg Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Durg Junction Railway Station, 33 Kms from Rajnandgaon and 65 Kms from Raipur Airport. This temple is situated to the north west of Durg City on Khairagarh Road on the left bank of the tank.

Location

Pataleshvar Temple, Malhar, Chattisgarh

Pataleshvar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Malhar Town in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple was called as Kedareshvara Temple during ancient times. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 and under the control of Archeological Survey of India.

History

Malhar, an ancient town consists of ruins of two temples and a mud fort. The oldest known sculpture of Vishnu with four-arm figure holding shankha, chakra and gada dated to c. 200 BCE was found in Malhar, Chhattisgarh. Malhar is referred as Mallala Pattana in the 12th Century CE Kalchuri Inscriptions. Malhar was under the control of Mauryas, Guptas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamshi of Mekala, Panduvamshis of Kosala and Somavamshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. The temple (called as Kedareshvara Temple in ancient times) was constructed by Somaraja of Gangadhara, a Brahmana, under the reign of Kalchuri ruler Jajalladeva II in 12^th CE.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards west. The Temple was constructed in Bhumija style. The Temple is Triratha on plan. The temple is constructed on a raised platform with entrances provided on three sides. The Temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and pillared Mandapam. There might be a pillared mandapa in front of the sanctum as evident from the remains of various pillars.

The sanctum doorway has life-size sculptures of river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna and dvarapalas. The sanctum is located at about 5 meters below the ground floor. The antarala has a staircase which takes the devotee down to the sanctum. There is a Shiva-lingam inside the sanctum. Since, the Shiva Lingam is located below ground level, the deity came to be called as Pataleshvar.

The Sikhara portion of this temple is lost completely. There is a Nandi outside the temple facing the sanctum. There is a sculptural shed housing various unearthed sculptures around the village. The Shed was constructed in 1974-75. Remains of temple ruins, sculptures, friezes and idols can be found in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Malhar Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Masturi, 27 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 39 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 126 Kms from Raipur and 134 Kms from Raipur Airport. Malhar is situated at about 13 Kms to the southwest of Masturi on Bilaspur – Shivrinarayan Route. Public transport is available from Bilaspur however frequency is limited.

Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar, Chattisgarh

Bhima Kichak Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Malhar Town in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Locals call this Temple as Deur. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 and under the control of Archeological Survey of India.

History

Malhar, an ancient town consists of ruins of two temples and a mud fort. The oldest known sculpture of Vishnu with four-arm figure holding shankha, chakra and gada dated to c. 200 BCE was found in Malhar, Chhattisgarh. Malhar is referred as Mallala Pattana in the 12th Century CE Kalchuri Inscriptions. Malhar was under the control of Mauryas, Guptas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamshi of Mekala, Panduvamshis of Kosala and Somavamshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. This Temple can be dated around 6^th – 7^th century CE based on architectural style.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. The Temple is in ruins and only lower half up to Bhitti survived the ravages of time. The Temple consists of Sanctum and Antrala. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. The Sanctum door has life size images of Ganga & Yamuna along with Dvarapalas. There are beautiful depictions of various forms of Lord Shiva and Ganas in different postures can be found in the temple. Broken idols, doors, sculptures and friezes can be found in the premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Malhar Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Masturi, 27 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 39 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 126 Kms from Raipur and 134 Kms from Raipur Airport. Malhar is situated at about 13 Kms to the southwest of Masturi on Bilaspur – Shivrinarayan Route. Public transport is available from Bilaspur however frequency is limited

Kukurdev Temple, Khapri, Chattisgarh

Kukurdev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to a dog located in Khapri Village near Balod in Durg District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple houses an idol of dog and a Shiva Linga besides it. It is believed that there is no fear of cough and dog bite by visiting here. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

This temple was built by the local rulers in the 14^th – 15^th century.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. The temple follows Nagara Style architecture. Idols of dogs can be found on both sides of the temple entrance. The Sanctum houses an idol of dog and a Shiva Linga besides it. People worship Shiva as well as the dog (Kukurdev) in the same way as Nandi is worshiped in common Shiva temples. Shrines and Idols of Rama, Lakshmana & Shatrugna, Hanuman, Ganesha and hero stones can be found in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Balod Railway Station, 8 Kms from Balod Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Balod, 10 Kms from Dondiluhara, 53 Kms from Dhamtari, 64 Kms from Durg and 116 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Balod to Dondiluhara Route.

Shavari Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Shavari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Sakthi located in Kharod Town near Shivrinarayan in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple is located in the southern outskirt of the town. Kharod is also known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Legends

History

Kharod was one of the well-known ancient place during the period from 7^th century A.D to the 11^th century A.D. Various Inscriptions can be found in Kharod from different ruling dynasties of South Kosala. Kharod houses a group of ancient temples namely Andal Deul, Sabari Temple and Lakhneshwar Temple. The town was established by Panduvamshis of Kosala in 7^th Century AD. The Temple was built during the first quarter of 8^th Century AD. Alexander Cunningham visited Kharod in 1873 – 1874, Beglar visited Kharod in1874 – 1875 and then by Longhurst. These visits bought the importance of these temples to the outside world.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. The temple is constructed entirely of brick except for its door way, pillars, and Jagati which are built of stone. The Temple stands on a raised platform. The Temple is Saptaratha on plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and a mandapa. The present mandapa is a modern restoration. The sanctum houses Goddess Sabari / Savari. There are no river-goddesses found at the entrance.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Kharod Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Shivrinarayan, 38 Kms from Janjgir, 40 Kms from Janjgir Naila Railway Station, 59 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 62 Kms from Bilaspur, 69 Kms from Bilaspur Airport and 131 Kms from Raipur. The Temple is situated on Bilaspur to Shivrinarayan Route (NH – 49). Buses ply from Bilaspur to Kharod on regular intervals.

Location

Lakshmaneswar Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Lakshmaneswar is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Kharod Town near Shivrinarayan in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Kharod is also known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. The Temple houses a distinctive laterite Linga with 1.25 lakh (125000) holes. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Legends

Laksha Linga:

It is believed that while returning from the successful conquest of the island of Lanka, Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama was afflicted with leprosy at this place. He prayed to Lord Shiva and installed 1,25,000 Lingas. Lord Shiva was pleased with Lakshman's prayers and cured him from leprosy. Thus, the Linga in the Temple came to be called as Laksha Linga.

Kharod:

History

Lakhneshvar Temple is the most ancient temple of Kharod as per an inscription of Isanadeva, an early king of the Panduvamshi dynasty, at this Temple. Alexander Cunningham visited Kharod in 1873 – 1874, Beglar visited Kharod in1874 – 1875 and then by Longhurst. These visits bought the importance of these temples to the outside world.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

A grand fair is held in this Temple on all Mondays, Shravan and Shivaratri of Sawan.

Connectivity

Lakshmaneswar Temple, Kharod – The Temple

This is a west facing temple enclosed by compound walls. The Temple is situated on a raised platform. The Sabha Mandapa can be found immediately after the entrance. The front portion of the Sabha mandapa consists of the Satyanarayana Mandapa, the Nandi Mandapa and the Bhogashala and rear consists of Sanctum. Idols of Ganga & Yamuna can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Lakshmaneswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

It is a distinctive laterite Linga with 1.25 lakh (125000) holes. Hence, the Linga came to be called as Laksha Linga / Lakalinga. It is believed that when water is poured in these holes, it gets absorbed in it whereas one hole is a renewable reservoir, it always has water in it. The water offered on Lakalinga goes to the Kund situated behind the temple because of this Kund never dries. The Linga is situated at about 30 feet above the ground.

The pillars in the Mandapa are carved with various sculptures like Ravana trying to lift Kailash, Ardhanariswara form of Shiva, Ram-Sugriva meeting, killing of Bali in Ramayana, Shiva Tandava, sculptures of men and women, a husband and wife standing with their child, a fierce looking person who is allowed to punish people and Jaya and Vijaya (the guards of Vaikuntha).

There is an inscription in Sabha Mandapa dated to Isana Deva, an early king of the Panduvamshi dynasty. The inscription is damaged however mention of an Indrabala and his son Isanadeva is readable. There is another inscription in the Sabha Mandapa dated to Ratnadeva III, a Kalachuri King (1181 CE). This inscription gives a genealogical list of the Kalchuri Kings and their history. There was an idol of a Pandit in the Temple premises. His name was engraved as Pandit Damodara in the idol. It is believed that this idol was kept outside the village and later got moved into the temple premises.

Giraud Shiva Temple, Raipur, Chattisgarh

Giraud Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Giraud Village near Raipur City in Raipur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was built in 18^th –19^th Century A.D during Maratha period.

The Temple

This is an east facing temple. The Temple consists of a Mandapam and sanctum. The door jambs are well ornamented. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. Nandi can be found in the Mandapam facing the sanctum. The Upper part of the tower over the sanctum is decorated with sculptures of Trivikram, Narasimha, Ram Ravana Battle scenes, Wrestling of Vali and Sugriva and Sita Haran.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Mandhar Railway Station, 14 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Raipur Bus Stand and 26 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Raipur to Simga Route.

Location

Sita Devi Temple, Deorbija, Chattisgarh

Sita Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Deorbija Village in Durg District in the state of Chattisgarh in India. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. The Temple is situated on the banks of the pond of Deorbija village on Raipur - Bemetra Road.

Legends

As per the local legend, the temple was believed to be built in six nights. It is also said that during their exile, Lord Sri Ram with Sita and Lakshman visited this place.

History

The Temple was built by Kalachuri Kings in 12^th Century CE.

The Temple

This is an east facing temple, built of sandstone. The Temple is Saptaratha in plan. The Shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. River Goddess Yamuna and Ganga can be found at the doorjambs of sanctum. Navagrahas and Ganesha can be found in the Lintel. Images of Ganesha, Andhakasura, Shiva, Surya, Vishnu, Harihara, Hiranyagarbha, Lakshmi, Mahishasura Mardini and Saraswathi can be found in the walls of the Temple. There is a Sati Pillar in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 16 Kms from Bemetra, 17 Kms from Bemetra Bus Stand, 62 Kms from Raipur, 62 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station, 64 Kms from Bhilai and 78 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on the banks of the pond of Deorbija village on Bhilai - Bemetra Road.

Location

Mahadev Temple, Deobaloda, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Deobaloda, an outskirts of Bhilai City in Durg District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This temple can be compared to the temples of Bhoramdeo, Khajuraho and Ajanta. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

The Temple was built by Kalchuris during the 13^th century AD.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Festivals

Mahashivaratri is the famous festival celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. The festival is also accompanied by small fair.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Devbaloda Charoda Railway Station, 15 Kms from Bhilai, 20 Kms from Raipur, 20 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station, 22 Kms from Raipur Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Durg Junction Railway Station, 22 Kms from Durg and 36 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Raipur to Bhilai Route (NH – 53).

Mahadev Temple, Deobaloda – The Temple

The temple is east facing, built of sand stone. The temple is built on raised platform. It has a sanctum and a pillared Navaranga Mandapa (hall). The Mandapa can be reached by a flight of steps. The mandapa pillars are adorned with images of Bhairava, Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardini (a form of Devi Durga who killed the demon Mahishasura), Shiva, musicians, dancers and Kirtimukha designs.

Nandi can be found outside the temple facing the sanctum. It is housed in a four pillared Mandapam. A small pillar nearby has a sati idol standing with folded hands, a trident is buried nearby. The shikhara (tower over the sanctum) which is supposed to have been built in Nagara style is missing. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga of about 1.5 feet in height, which is approached through a highly ornate door entrance guarded by Shaiva Dvarapalas.

The idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Hanuman can be found inside the sanctum. The exterior of the temple near the entrance is adorned with decorated band of Gaja, Asva and Nara. The temple wall portion has two decorated segments adorned with images of Tripurantaka Shiva, Gajantaka Shiva, Narasimha, Radha Krishna, Ganesha, Varaha, Lakshmi along with other depictions of Gods and Goddesses.

One can find pictorial representation of hunting, hunters and bull fighting on the walls of temple. Like the Khajuraho's temples, this Shiva Temple also has the traditional erotic form of Devi Devta and the carved statue is the center of attraction. The Temple courtyard has a store house like shed where one can see antique idols and statues that have been found during excavation, which may have belonged to the temple.

There is a shrine of Shitla Mata. Many idols of stone gods are kept in this shrine. The temple is having a Kund and it is believed to be connected to another old town Arang of Chhattisgarh state through a tunnel. The Kund is having 23 steps and 2 wells beside it. One of the well is perennial.

Siya Devi Temple, Balod, Chattisgarh

Siya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Goddess Sita located in Naragaon near Balod Town in Balod District in the state of Chattisgarh in India. The Temple situated amidst dense forest abounded with greenery and a natural waterfall.

Legends

Siya Devi:

During Ramayana, this place was called as Dandakaranya. Lord Rama visited this place during his exile along with Laxman & Sita. Goddess Parvati in the form of Goddess Sita, to test his loyalty towards his wife, Sita (at the time when he was in search of his wife, who was forcibly kidnapped by Demon king, Ravana). Lord Ram recognizes Goddess Parvati and greets her as his mother and asks the reason for coming in the middle of Jungle all alone. Satisfied by the loyalty of Lord Ram, Goddess Parvati feels shame for her deed and discusses all the matter with Lord Shiva and apologizes. Lord Shiva advises her to settle down at Siya Devi as the incarnation of Goddess Sita. Hence, the place came to be called as Siya Devi.

Tiger Statue with iron chain:

There is another belief that the tiger of Goddess here awakes (comes into life) in night times and protects the holy region. Hence, the statue of tiger here is fastened here by a thick iron chain.

The Temple & Waterfall

The Temple situated amidst dense forest abounded with greenery and a natural waterfall. There are statues of Lord Ram with Sita & Lakshmana, Shiva Parvati, Hanuman, Radha Krishna, Siya Devi and Budhadeva. The waterfall here is about 15-20 feet high and 35-40 feet wide. The downstream of the falls is full of boulders, it becomes easy for tourist to come quite near to fall and enjoy the beauty of it.

Another interesting place is the cave situated on left side bank of upstream, which is actually a joint fracture between rocks which leaves a thin space to enter inside and has an end outside. It is believed that Valmiki performed meditation here. Hence, the cave came to be called as Valmiki Gufa.

Festivals

Navratri and Maha Shivrathri are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

The Temple is located at about 21 Kms from Balod, 22 Kms from Balod Bus Station, 23 Kms from Balod Railway Station, 40 Kms from Dhamtari, 93 Kms from Bhilai Airport and 108 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Balod – Charama State Highway. From Balod, one has to reach Jhalmala and then one has to travel on Balod – Charama State Highway to reach this temple and Siya Devi Waterfall.

Kapileshwar Temple, Balod, Chattisgarh

Kapileshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Balod Town in Balod District in the state of Chattisgarh in India. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple complex was built by the Nagavanshi rulers during the 13^th – 14^th Century A.D.

The Temple

The Temple complex consists of six temples (Kapileshwar temple, Ganesh temple, Durga temple, Ram Janki temple, Radhakrishna temple and Hanuman temple) and the Chakra Kunda in the center of the temples.

Festivals

A three-day huge fair is organized here on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. On this occasion, Kapileswar Festival is celebrated by the committee.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Balod Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Balod Bus Station, 45 Kms from Dhamtari, 77 Kms from Bhilai Airport and 112 Kms from Raipur Airport. Balod is situated on Durg – Kanker road. The temple is located in the Nayapara ward in the northern part of Balod Nagar.

Ashtabhuji Temple, Adbhar, Chattisgarh

Ashtabhuji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Adbhar, a historical town in Janjgir-Champa district in the state of Chhattisgarh in India. Adbhar is known historically as Ashtadwar. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

According to a legend, Goddess Ashtabhuji was the daughter of Yashoda, who was a foster mother of Lord Krishna. She miraculously escaped from the Kansa, who wanted to kill her. After that, she made Vindyachal her abode.

The Temple

This Temple complex is situated in the south-west outskirt of the town. The temple complex is a massive temple structure which is now in ruins except the stone basement. The Ashtabhuji Temple is basically a Shiva Temple as evident from an ancient Shiva Linga enshrined in the centre of the sanctum but more importance is given to Goddess Ashtabhuji. The Temple is also considered as one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The Temple houses a rare life-sized idol of eight-armed Goddess Ashtabhuji.

The temple was constructed of sand stone. The temple originally had a garbhagriha, an antarala, a mandapa and an Ardhamandapam, being approached by a flight of steps, all oriented in one axis with the temple facing west. The ruins of temple had a star-shaped plan. The only extant structure in the complex is the rectangular Nandi mandapa. The structure stands detached from the other components of the temple but falls in the same axis. This rectangular pillared hall is supported by four pillars.

Festivals

Jyoti Kalash is lighted here on the occasion of Navratri.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Adbhar New Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Sakti railway Station, 14 Kms from Kharsia Railway Station, 44 Kms from Raigarh Airport and 45 Kms from Raigarh. The town is well connected from Sakti railway station of Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line and also from south-west from Kharsia railway station in the same railway line.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Gwalior City in Gwalior District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This is a small temple excavated from a single solid rock, situated inside Gwalior fort. The temple was earlier famous for the earliest known inscription in the world that uses the symbol "0" to mean zero but now Bakhshali manuscript is regarded as the earliest to use zero symbol. The temple is on the way upstairs to the main gate of the Gwalior fort.

The Temple

This is a small temple excavated from a single solid rock, situated inside Gwalior fort. The temple follows Pancharatha style. The temple consists of sanctum and four pillared mukha mandapa. The pillars in the Mukha Mandapa depicts various scenes from Krishna Leela. There is an inscription in the pillar of Mukha Mandapa dating to the reign of the Pratihara ruler, Mihir Bhoja Deva. The pillars also contain reliefs of person meditating in yoga asana position and amorous couples.

There is a covered pillared Mandapa to the right side of Mukha Mandapa. The sanctum is with a square plan of 12 feet (3.7 m) side and mukha mandapa is 10 feet by 9 feet in measurement. The sanctum doorway was flanked by river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. The lintel of the sanctum door has an image of Vishnu over lalata-bimba. The inscription found on the sanctum lintel praises Varaha and Trivikrama incarnation of Vishnu.

There is a wall relief of Varaha (boar avatar) and another of four armed Vishnu inside the Temple. It also has a carving of goddess Lakshmi with four arms. The name of the temple might be derived from four armed Vishnu and Lakshmi. The tower (Shikhara) of the temple is North Indian Nagara style, that slowly curves with a square plan, all carved out of the monolithic rock.

Varaha, Vishnu and Trivikrama can be found on the bhadra niches on the external walls. Ganesha, Parvati and Karthikeya can be found on the lower bhadra niches on the external walls. Carvings of six of the eight Ashtadikpalakas (Agni, Yama, Nriti, Varuna, Vayu and Kubera) can be found at their respective positions. Sculptures of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be found around the walls and pillars of the Temple.

Inscriptions

The temple was earlier famous for the earliest known inscription in the world that uses the symbol "0" to mean zero but now Bakhshali manuscript is regarded as the earliest to use zero symbol. There is an inscription on the front door written in Sanskrit. The inscriptions runs for 27 lines. It is dated to 932 Vikrama Era i.e. 875 CE. It mentions that this temple was constructed by Alla, the son of Vaillabhatta. It is this inscription that also contains one of the earliest known uses of the mathematical zero.

The inscription states that the community planted a garden of 187 hastas by 270 hastas (1 hasta = 1.5 feet), that the garden yielded 50 garlands for the temple every day. The last digits of 270 and 50 are "O" shaped. While Indian and non-Indian texts mention zero much earlier, this temple has the earliest known epigraphical evidence inscribed in stone that already knows and uses the concept of zero. There is an inscription of Bhoja Deva dated to 933 Vikrama Era i.e. 876 CE. The inscription mentions about four donations made to two temples by Alla.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Gwalior, 3 Kms from Gwalior Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Gwalior Railway Station and 13 Kms from Gwalior Airport. Gwalior is well connected to other parts of Madhya Pradesh and India by national and state highways. The Agra – Mumbai National highway (NH 3) passes through Gwalior. The city is connected to the Jhansi by the National Highway 75, towards the south of the city.

The northern part of the city is connected to the city of Mathura via National Highway 3. There are bus services to and from all major and minor cities near Gwalior, including Bhopal, Agra, Delhi, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Bhind, Morena, Dholpur, Etawah, Datia, Jaipur, and Indore. Gwalior is a major railway junction in the Northern central region.

Location

Bateshwar Hindu Temples, Padhawali, Madhya Pradesh

Bateshwar Hindu Temples is a group of 200 sandstone Hindu Temples and their ruins, located in Padhawali in Moreno District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Complex is also referred as Batesvar Temples or Batesara Temples. The Temples are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti - representing the three major traditions within Hinduism.

The site is within the Chambal River valley ravines, on the north-western slope of a hill. Bateshwar Group of Temples were built during the reign of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty. The temples as they now appear are in many cases reconstructed from the fallen stones in a project begun by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2005.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Malanpur Railway Station, 14 Kms from Nurabad Railway Station, 16 Kms from Banmor, 25 Kms from Gwalior Airport, 29 Kms from Morena, 31 Kms from Gwalior and 109 Kms from Agra. The Temple is situated off the Mumbai to Agra National Highway near Nurabad.

Bateshwar Hindu Temples, Padhawali – The Temple

This temple complex houses around 200 temples made of sandstones. It can be considered as largest temple group in India. The temples are mostly small and spread over about 25 acres (10 ha) site. Most of the temples are in ruins. They are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti - representing the three major traditions within Hinduism. The site is within the Chambal River valley ravines, on the north-western slope of a hill near Padavali known for its major medieval era Vishnu temple.

Bhuteshvara Temple is the biggest temple in the complex. This is the only temple in worship in the complex. It is a group of 11 temples with one main shrine surrounded by 10 subsidiary shrines. The main shrine is facing towards east. The Temple is Pancha Ratha in plan. The main shrine consists of sanctum, antrala and a later period mandapa. This temple is dated to late 8^th Century CE.

The niches around the external walls houses Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu and Ashtadikpalakas. The Shikara is of five storied. The sanctum doorway was flanked by river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna and Dvarapalas. The Temple had a relief of Garuda on top. There is a roofed circumambulation path around the main shrine and the subsidiary shrines can be approached through this roofed circumambulation path.

There is a short inscription dated to Samvat era 1107 (1050 CE) in one of the small temples to the northwest of the Bhuteshvara temple. There was a large platform of about 42.67 feet (13.01 m) length and 29.67 feet (9.04 m) breadth, with an integrated platform projection of a square with 11.67 feet (3.56 m) side in north-northeast corner of the site. It might have been the largest temple at the Bateshvara site before its destruction.

The site had a water tank cut into the hill rock, with rows of small temples arranged to form a street to the tank. These temple houses idols of Shiva Linga, Trimurti, Ganesha and Lord Shiva & Parvati. There is a Vishnu Temple next to Shiva Temple about the same size of Shiva Temple. It has a square sanctum of 6.67 feet (2.03 m) side with river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flanking the doorway on its jambs.

The standing temples all had sides made from single slabs set upright, above which sat flat roofs then pyramidal top as a part of their architecture. Most of the temples in this complex follows Pancha Ratha style. The earliest temples are without roofs and later era temples are with Shikara. There are small sculptures of women playing the lute, veena or drums in Vishnu temples, suggesting that music profession in pre 11^th century India encouraged women to participate as musicians.

The temple doorways are either carved with four or five shakhas (segments). Ganga and Yamuna are present at the doorjambs riding their respective mounts, makara and tortoise respectively. They are sometimes accompanied with dvarapalas (guardians) but always with an umbrella bearer. The temple complex has many interesting lintels, such as one with Navagraha, many with Dashavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu) of the Vaishnavism tradition, frequent display of Saptamatrikas (seven mothers) from the Shaktism tradition.

A common feature on door lintels is the presence of Garuda on lalata-bimba. He is either depicted holding the tails of serpents forming one of the shakha (segment) of the doorway or carrying Vishnu. In his former depiction, Garuda is the controller of the serpent instead of a Vaishnava symbol therefore his presence does not result in Vaishnava character of the edifice.

Some of the temples had a Nataraja on the Kirti-mukha, reliefs with exquisite carving of Lakulisa, reliefs of Siva holding the hand of Parvati, reliefs narrating the legend of Kalyana Sundara (the marriage of Shiva and Parvati with Vishnu, Brahma and others attending), Amorous couples in various stages of courtship and intimacy (Mithuna, Kama scenes), reliefs of men riding elephants & men wrestling lions, friezes with narratives from the Bhagavata Purana such as Krishna Leela scenes such as Devaki holding baby Krishna who is suckling her breasts in prison that is guarded by a woman, baby Krishna draining away the life of the demon with poisoned breasts.

Many of these temples depict a figure of Lakulisa holding a danda (rod). This suggests the influence of the Lakulisa sect in this region during the eight-ninth century CE. This complex would have been a major center of Lakulisa sect. The diversity of the theological themes at the site suggest that Batesvar was once a hub for temple-related arts and artists.

Narmada Temple, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh

Narmada Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Narmada located in Amarkantak, a pilgrimage town in Anuppur District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. It is also called as Shondesh Shakti Peeth. This Temple is considered as one among the revered 51 Shakthi Peeth. Amarkantak is situated at an altitude of 1000 m. The region is a unique natural heritage area and is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. It is the origin place for Narmada River, Son River and Johila River. Amarkantak is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage center popularly known as Teertharaj (King of pilgrimages).

Legends

History

Amarkantak is a combination of two Sanskrit words, Amara (immortal) and Kantaka (obstruction). The poet Kalidas has mentioned it as Amrakuta, which later became Amarkantak. There is no clear historical information about the construction of this temple. It is generally believed that the temple was built during 12^th Century CE. It is believed that popular 15^th century Indian mystic and poet Kabir said to have meditated on Kabir Chabutra, also called the platform of Kabir situated in the town of Amarkantak. The Temple suffered damage during Aurangzeb period. Narmada Udgam Kund (birth place of Narmada) was built by Rewa Nayak as it is evidenced by the idol of Rewa Nayak. Later, Bhonsle, the king of Nagpur and Maharani Devi Ahilya renovated this temple.

The Temple

This Temple complex consists of two temples namely Narmada Udgam Temple and Narmada Mai Temple. Both these temples are facing each other connected through a mandapa. One temple is housing a four-armed Narmada idol and other housing an idol of eight armed Narmada holding a baby.

Idol of Rewa Nayak can be found in Narmada Udgam temple. This temple complex houses a tank, believed to be the origin of the Narmada river. There is a shrine for Lord Shiva called as Bhadrasen in the temple premises. There is a beautiful garden called Narmada Udgam in the temple premises.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is the famous festival celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Amarkantak Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Pendra Road Railway Station, 70 Kms from Anuppur Junction Railway Station, 118 Kms from Bilaspur, 130 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 224 Kms from Jabalpur and 232 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The Temple is well connected to Rewa, Shahdol, Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra by buses.

Location

Fatehgarh Shiva Temple, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir

Fatehgarh Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Fatehgarh Village in Baramulla District in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a ruined ancient temple with a square sanctum. Only walls of the sanctum survived. A fragment of a sizably large Shiva Linga is found over the platform in the sanctum. The Temple was believed to be built in 9^th Century AD.

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Baramulla Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Baramulla, 15 Kms from Baramulla Railway Station, 23 Kms from Buniyar, 27 Kms from Sopore, 37 Kms from Pattan, 43 Kms from Uri, 47 Kms from Gulmarg, 64 Kms from Srinagar, 72 Kms from Srinagar Airport and 327 Kms from Jammu. The Temple is situated on Baramulla to Uri Route.

Wangath Temple Complex, Naranag, Jammu and Kashmir

Wangath Temple Complex is a group of Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Wangath Village, close to Naranag, in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. This Temple complex lies high above the Sind Valley by the Naranag Nallah. The Temple Complex consists of cluster of ancient temples, now in ruins. The temples are located at the foot of the steep Bhuteswara, near Naran Nag, in a dense forest of pine and fir trees in the lap of Harmukh Mountain (formally known as Sodaratirth). The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the Wangath Temple complex at Naranag as centrally protected monuments of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Kangan, 16 Kms from Kangan Bus Stand, 33 Kms from Ganderbal, 50 Kms from Srinagar, 62 Kms from Srinagar Railway Station and 62 Kms from Srinagar Airport. Kangan is situated on Srinagar to Kargil Route. It is situated at about 16 Kms to the north of Kangan.

Wangath Temple Complex – The Temple Complex

This Temple complex lies high above the Sind Valley by the Naranag Nallah. The temple complex is located along the Kanka Nadi or the Kanaknai and is constructed of local grey granite. The Complex had two clusters of Temples. One cluster consists of six temples and the other cluster consists of eleven temples. These Temples are perfect examples of Vastu Shastra. The Temple follows the architectural style of Bumzu, Awantipora, Parihaspur, Pattan and Mattan temples.

The compound walls enclosing the clusters measuring 176 feet in length and 130 feet in width probably also dates back to the era of temple. Wangath Temple consists of two distinct groups: the first on the western side and the second on the eastern side. Each group is enclosed by a separate stone wall and lie a short distance from one another. Between the two groups of temples, stand a number of structures of a third group, the Mathas.

Western Complex:

The first group of six temples, also identified as Shiva-Jyestharudra or Shiva-Jyeshthesa, is situated within an enclosure wall. The Jyestharudra group is placed on high grounds and consists of a main temple of Jyeshthesa (Shiva) surrounded by subsidiary shrines. The principal structure is a square of 25 feet (7.6 m) externally and 17 feet (5.2 m) internally, and has two entrances opposite each other, facing the northeast and southwest. In the center of the floor is a square space which is unpaved. It marks the site of the pedestal of the image. Internally, it has a domed ceiling. Externally, the roof is pyramidal.

Eastern Complex:

The second group of temples is enclosed in a massive rectangular stone wall, pierced by a two-chambered gateway. The six temples inside the wall are in ruins and are partly buried in the ground. The largest Temple in this complex is dedicated to Bhuteswara. It has a 17 feet (5.2 m) square base internally, similar to the largest temple in the western complex. The sanctum of this Temple houses Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Linga. The temple had two entrances one facing the rising sun and other the setting sun. There is also a plinth wall measuring 100 feet by 67 feet appears to be a base of a magnificent structure.

Central Pavilion:

Between the western and eastern complexes, lie a number of structures of a third group. This consists of the remains of a building measuring 120 feet (37 m) by 70 feet (21 m), with a height of 10 feet (3.0 m). Along the side of this structure are 30 monolithic bases or piers at intervals of 12 feet (3.7 m). This was a pillared pavilion or matha. An impressive 18 feet (5.5 m) rectangular cistern, hammered out of a boulder, is nearby.

Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Amarnath Temple is a Hindu Cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft) at about 141 Kms from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims.

Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave across challenging mountainous terrain. The temple is only accessible for a short duration during the year in the month of July to August, when the ice Lingam is formed.The Amarnath temple is one of 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or Grand Shakti Peethas, highly revered temples throughout South Asia that commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Lingam

Amarnath cave is located at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The length of the Amarnath cave (inward depth) is 19 meters and the width is 16 meters. This cave is spread over an area of approximately 150 feet and is about 11 meters high. A stalagmite is formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave on to the floor and grows up vertically from the cave floor. It is considered to be a Shiva Linga by Hindus. The Lingam waxes during May to August, as snow melts in the Himalayas above the cave and the resultant water seeps into the rocks that form the cave and gradually wanes thereafter.

As per religious beliefs, it has been claimed that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon reaching its height during the summer festival, although there is no scientific evidence for this belief. The cave also has two more ice lingams, each one representing Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The lingam here is called Swayambhu lingam as it is said to have appeared here on its own.

Amarnath Yatra

For brief details, please refer below link;

Amarnath Temple – Legends

Amar Katha:

According to a Hindu religious beliefs, this is the place where Lord Shiva narrated the story of the creation of the universe and the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati. Once, Mother Parvathi wanted to know the reason of wearing Mund Mala or beads of head by Lord Shiva. She asked Lord Shiva the reason out of curiosity. Lord Shiva replied that, every time you are born, I wear a new head and add it to my Mund mala. This perplexed Parvati and she asked Lord Shiva, why it is that he is all immortal and she die every time, and her body gets destroyed?

Lord Shiva then replied to Parvati, this happens because of the Amar Katha. Upon continuous demand from Mother Parvati, he chose a secluded place (so that no one else would be able to listen to the story), to narrate to her the secret of the story of the creation of the world and the most suitable place he found was Amarnath cave. For the same, he left his bull Nandi at Pahalgam, on which he made his rides, at Chandanwari he left Moon taking it out of his hair, at the bank of Sheshnag he left his snake.

He also left his son Ganesha at the Mahagunas Parvat and at Panjtarni he left behind all the five elements that is air, water, earth, sky and fire which are believed to be the building blocks of human beings. Lord Shiva and Parvati also performed Tandava dance as a symbol of sacrificing the earth and reached to the Amarnath cave to carry on their narrative. Lord Shiva then sat on Samadhi on to the skin of the deer and went into concentrating. In order to make sure that no living being could listen to the story he created Rudra whom he names Kalagni.

Lord Shiva asked Rudra to fire up the cave so as to eliminate every trace of a living being. He then started off with narrating the story of the world to Parvati. Inadvertently, an egg which was lying beneath the skin of the deer, got protected and it is believed that the pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened to the story of the Amar Katha. At various occasions’ people, while trekking the arduous route have seen the pair of pigeons.

Sakthi Peethas:

In Hindu mythology, Daksha Yajna or Daksha-Yaga is an important event, which is narrated in various Hindu scriptures. It refers to a yajna (sacrifice) organized by Daksha, where his daughter Sati immolated herself. The wrath of god Shiva, Sati's husband, thereafter destroyed the sacrifice. The tale is also called Daksha-Yajna-Nasha (destruction of Daksha's sacrifice). The story forms the basis of the establishment of the Shakti Peethas, temples of the Hindu Divine Mother. It is also becoming a prelude to the story of Parvati, Sati's reincarnation who later marries Shiva. The mythology is mainly told in the Vayu Purana. It is also mentioned in the Kasi Kanda of the Skanda Purana, the Kurma Purana, Harivamsa Purana and Padma Purana. Linga Purana, Shiva Purana, and Matsya Purana also detail the incident.

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Daksha was one of the Prajapati, son of Brahma, and among his foremost creations. The name Daksha means "skilled one". Daksha had two wives: Prasoothi and Panchajani (Virini). Sati (also known as ‘‘Uma’’) was his youngest daughter; born from Prasoothi (the daughter of the Prajapati Manu), she was the pet child of Daksha and he always carried her with him. Sati (meaning truth) is also called Dakshayani as she followed Daksha’s path; this is derived from the Sanskrit words Daksha and Ayana (walk or path).

Sati, the youngest daughter of Daksha, was deeply in love with the god Shiva and wished to become his wife. Her worship and devotion of Shiva strengthened her immense desire to become his wife. However, Daksha did not like his daughter’s yearning for Shiva, mainly because he was a Prajapati and the son of the god Brahma; his daughter Sati was a royal princess. They were wealthy nobility and their imperial royal lifestyle was entirely different from that of Shiva.

As an emperor, Daksha wanted to increase his influence and power by making marriage alliances with powerful empires and influential sages and gods. Shiva on the other hand led a very modest life. He lived among the downtrodden, wore a tiger skin, smeared ashes on his body, had thick locks of matted hair, and begged with a skull as bowl. His abode was Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. He embraced all kinds of living beings and did not make any distinction between good souls and bad souls.

The Bhutaganas, his followers, consisted of all kinds of ghosts, demons, ghouls and goblins. He wandered through garden and graveyard alike. As a consequence, Daksha had aversion towards Shiva being his daughter’s companion. However, unlike Daksha, Sati loved Shiva as she had the revelation that Shiva was the Supreme God. Sati won Shiva as her husband by undergoing severe austerities (tapas). Despite Daksha's disappointment, Sati married Shiva.

Brahma's Yajna:

Once Brahma conducted a huge yajna (sacrifice), where all the Prajapatis, gods and kings of the world were invited. Shiva and Sati were also called on to participate in the yajna. All of them came for the yajna and sat in the ceremonial place. Daksha came last. When he arrived, everyone in the yajna, with the exception of Brahma, Shiva and Sati, stood up showing reverence for him. Brahma being Daksha's father and Shiva being Daksha's son-in-law were considered superior in stature to Daksha. Daksha misunderstood Shiva’s gesture and considered Shiva's gesture as an insult. Daksha vowed to take revenge on the insult in the same manner.

Daksha Yaga:

Daksha’s grudge towards Shiva grew after Brahma's yajna. With the prime motive of insulting Shiva, Daksha initiated a great yajna, similar to that of Brahma. The yajna was to be presided over by the sage Bhrigu. He invited all the gods, Prajapatis and kings to attend the yajna and intentionally avoided inviting Shiva and Sati.

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

The Kurma Purana discusses the dialogues between the sage Dadhichi and Daksha. After the sacrifice and hymns where offered to the twelve Aditya gods; Dadhichi noticed that there was no sacrificial portion (Havvis) allotted to Shiva and his wife, and no Vedic hymns were used in the yajna addressing Shiva which were part of Vedic hymns. He warned Daksha that he should not alter the Holy Vedas for personal reasons; the priests and sages supported this. Daksha replied to Dadhichi that he would not do so and insulted Shiva. Dadhichi left the yajna because of this argument.

Sati's Death:

Sati came to know about the grand yajna organized by her father and asked Shiva to attend the yajna. Shiva refused her request, saying that it was inappropriate to attend a function without being invited. He reminded her that she was now his wife more than Daksha’s daughter and, after marriage, is a member of Shiva’s family rather than Daksha’s. The feeling of her bond to her parents overpowered the social etiquette she had to follow. She even had a notion that there was no need to have received an invitation in order to attend as she was Daksha’s favourite daughter and no formality existed between them.

She constantly pleaded and urged Shiva to let her attend the ceremony and became adamant in her demands without listening to the reasons Shiva provided for not attending the function. He allowed Sati to go to her parents' home, along with his followers including Nandi, and attend the ceremony, but refused to accompany with her. Upon arriving, Sati tried to meet her parents and sisters; Daksha was arrogant and avoided interacting with Sati. He repeatedly snubbed her in front of all the dignitaries, but Sati maintained her composure.

Because of Sati’s persistence in trying to meet him, Daksha reacted vehemently, insulting her in front of all the other guests at the ceremony to which she had not been invited. He called Shiva an atheist and cremation ground dweller. As planned, he took advantage of the situation and continued shouting repugnant words against Shiva. Sati felt deep remorse for not listening to her beloved husband. Daksha’s disdain towards her, and especially her husband Shiva, in front of all the guests was growing each moment she stood there. The shameless insult and humiliation of her and her beloved, eventually became too much to bear.

She cursed Daksha for acting so atrociously toward her and Shiva and reminded him that his haughty behavior had blinded his intellect. She cursed him and warned that the wrath of Shiva would destroy him and his empire. Unable to bear further humiliation, Sati committed suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire. The onlookers tried to save her, but it was too late. They were only able to retrieve the half-burnt body of Sati.

Daksha's pride in being a Prajapati and his prejudice against his son-in-law created a mass hatred within himself, which resulted in the death of his daughter. The Nandi and the accompanying Bhootaganas left the yajna place after the incident. Nandi cursed the participants and Bhrigu reacted by cursing the Bhootaganas back.

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Lord Shiva was deeply pained upon hearing of his wife's death. His grief grew into a terrible anger when he realized how Daksha had viciously plotted a treachery against him; but it was his innocent wife who fell into the trap instead of him. Shiva learned of Daksha’s callous behaviour towards Sati. Shiva's rage became so intense that he plucked a lock of hair from his head and smashed it on the ground, breaking it into two with his leg. Armed and frightening, two fearsome beings Virabhadra and Bhadrakali (Rudrakali) emerged. Lord Shiva ordered them to kill Daksha and destroy the yajna.

The ferocious Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, along with the Bhutaganas, reached the yajna spot. The invitees renounced the yajna and started running away from the turmoil. Sage Bhrigu created an army with his divine penance powers to resist Shiva’s attack and protect the yajna. Bhrigu’s army was demolished and the entire premises were ravaged. All those who participated, even the other Prajapatis and the gods, were mercilessly beaten, wounded or even slaughtered.

The Vayu Purana mentions the attack of Bhutaganas: the nose of some goddesses were cut, Yama's staff bone was broken, Mitra's eyes were pulled out, Indra was trampled by Virabhadra and Bhutaganas, Pushan's teeth were knocked out, Chandra was beaten heavily, all of the Prajapatis' were beaten, the hands of Vahini were cut off, and Bhrigu's beard was cut off. Daksha was caught and decapitated, the attack culminated when the Bhutaganas started plucking out Bhrigu’s white beard as a victory souvenir.

The Vayu Purana do not mention the decapitation of Daksha, instead it says Yagna, the personification of yajna took the form of an antelope and jumped towards the sky. Virabhadra captured it and decapitated Yagna. Daksha begs mercy from the Parabrahmam (the Supreme Almighty who is formless), who rose from the yajna fire and forgives Daksha. The Parabrahmam informs Daksha that Shiva is in fact a manifestation of Parabrahmam. Daksha then becomes a great devotee of Shiva. The Linga Purana and Bhagavatha Purana mention the decapitation of Daksha.

Certain other puranas like Harivamsa, Kurma, and Skanda narrate the story from the perspective of the Vaishnava-Shaiva community feud prevalent in ancient times. In these puranas, there are fights between Vishnu and Shiva or Virabhadra, with various victors throughout. The story of Daksha Yaga in Vaishnava and Shaiva puranas end with the surrendering of Daksha to the Parabrahmam or with the destruction of yajna and decapitation of Daksha.

Aftermath:

As the obstruction of the yajna will create havoc and severe ill effects on the nature, Brahma and the god Vishnu went to the grief-stricken Lord Shiva. They comforted and showed their sympathy towards Shiva. They requested him to come to the yajna location and pacify the Bhutaganas and allow the Yaga to be completed; Shiva agreed. Shiva found the burnt body of Sati. Shiva gave permission to continue yajna. Daksha was absolved by Shiva and the head of a ram (Male goat) meant for yajna was fixed on the decapitated body of Daksha and gave his life back. The yajna was completed successfully.

The later story is an epilogue to the story of Daksha yajna mentioned in Shakta Puranas like Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kalika Purana and the folklores of various regions. Shiva was so distressed and could not part from his beloved wife. He took the corpse of Sati and wandered around the universe. To reduce Shiva's grief, Vishnu cuts Sati's corpse as per Vaishnava Puranas; whose parts fell on the places Shiva wandered. The Shaiva version says that her body disintegrated on its own and the parts fell while Shiva was carrying Sati's corpse in various places. The throat / neck of Goddess Sati fell here.

These places commemorating each body part came to be known as the Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are holy abode of the Mother Goddess. Each temple have shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava. There are 51 Shakti Peethas, representing the 51 letters of Sanskrit. Some of the puranas which came in later ages gave more importance to their supreme deity (depending on Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta sects) in their literature. Shiva went to isolation and solitude for ages and wandered all around until Sati reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of the King Himavan. Like Sati, Parvati took severe austerities and gave away all her royal privileges and went to forest. Shiva tested her affection and devotion in disguise. He eventually realized Parvati is Sati herself. Shiva later on married Parvati.

Discovery of Amarnath by Sage Bhrigu:

According to legend, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have discovered Amarnath. Long time ago it is believed that he Valley of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyap Muni drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. Therefore, when the waters drained, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have darshan of Lord Amarnath. Then, it became famous among the believers and a pilgrimage is done by lakhs of people each year.

Discovery of Amarnath Cave by Shepherd Buta Malik:

As per legend, Shepherd Buta Malik got a bag full of coal from a saint when he was grazing near the place. Buta Malik after receiving the coal went back to his home and when he opened it; to his surprise he found the bag full of gold coins. He was more than happy to receive this unexpected gift from the saint and immediately went back to thank him. But instead of the saint he found the sacred cave and the Shiva Linga. People started considering it a sacred place of pilgrimage after this incident.

Pissu Top:

Pissu Top is situated slightly ahead of Chandanwari. There was a huge fight between the Devas and demons for darshan of Amarnath. The Devas defeated demons with the help of Lord Shiva. A mountain was formed with the dead bodies of the demons. Hence, the place came to be called as Pissu Top.

Holiest Place:

According to the Purana, ten times as per Linga Darshan and Pooja in Kashi, hundred times from Prayag and thousand times more than Naimisaranya are considered as Amarnath Darshan.

References in Scriptures:

There are references about Amarnath from Braungesh Sahita, Nilamata Purana, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini etc. In Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, it talks about a ruler of Kashmir. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva who used to worship the Shivalinga of snow in the forests.

Saumyakeshava Temple, Nagamangala, Karnataka

Saumyakeshava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Nagamangala Town in Mandya District in Karnataka, India. Presiding Deity is called as Saumya Kesava and Mother is called as Saumyanayaki. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

During Mahabharata, it is believed that Lord Krishna wanted to get rid of Nagasthra of Karna as it would kill Arjuna if it was launched. Hence, Lord Krishna put all the Nagas of this world in his Shanka. When Karna tried to use Nagasthra, it never got launched as Lord Krishna already prevented by putting all Nagas in his Shanka. Lord Krishna of this Temple appears with the Shank in right hand. This shank controls all the Nagas of this world by its power.

History

Nagamangala was earlier called as Phani Pura or Paniparaha Kshetra (city of snakes) which later got changed to Nagamangala. The place was also known as Anantha Kshetra. Nagamangala came into prominence during the rule of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana when it became an important center of Vaishnava faith and received patronage from one of his queens, Bommaladevi. She renovated, repaired and bestowed grants to the Sankara Narayana temple at the town. During the rule of Veera Ballala II, Nagamangala prospered as an Agrahara (place of Hindu religious studies) and had the honorific Vira Ballala Chaturvedi Bhattaratnakara.

There is a 12^th century inscription recording the grants given to the temple by Hoysala king Ballala II. As per local folklore, the town and the temples were built by a prince named Jaga Deva Raya, belonging to the family of the Mysore rulers. The above folklore is not true in historicity. The epigraphical evidences records the grant given to the temple by the Ganga king Marasimha II, who ruled between 963-975 CE. The Temple was renovated by Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara and post Vijayanagara rulers.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/saumyakeshava-temple-nagamangala-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 09.00 am to 12.00 noon and 05.30 pm to 08.00 pm.

Prayers

The temple is well known for Raghu Kethu Parihara Pooja. The place is also Parihara sthalam for Naga Sarpa Dosha. Devotees worship here to get relief from illness & mental health, to get relief from marriage obstacles and for child boon.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Nagamangala Bus Stop, 18 Kms from B.G. Nagar Railway Station, 28 Kms from Melukote, 35 Kms from Shravanbelagola, 43 Kms from Mandya, 68 Kms from Mysuru, 76 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 121 Kms from Bengaluru and 140 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Nagamangala is situated on the Srirangapatna to Sira Route.

Location | Photos

Saumyakeshava Temple, Nagamangala – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with seven tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple is enclosed by compound walls on all sides. The temple exhibits the nagara features (northern Indian influence) seen in a few other Hoysala temples such as in the Sadasiva Temple, Nuggehalli. It stands on a raised platform called jagati and is constructed with Soap stone material. The temple with its various parts is standing on a raised platform.

The platform is of irregular shape due to various additions during different periods. The Shrine is stellar in plan, however with flattened on its west, south and north sides. The temple is three shrined (Trikuta Chala), has a garbhagriha (sanctum), and a vestibule (antarala) that connects the sanctum to the a closed mandapa (inner hall, navaranga) which opens into a large pillared gathering hall (Maha Mandapa).

The closed hall has two lateral shrines, one in the north and the other in the south. The northern shrine houses an idol of Lakshmi Narasimha sitting on a five-headed snake and the Southern shrine houses an idol of Venugopala along with Rukmini and Satyabhama. The roof of the closed mantapa is supported by lathe turned pillars, a standard feature in Hoysala constructions.

These pillars divide the ceiling into bays (four central pillars create 9 bays in the closed hall) that are exceptionally well treated. The large hall opens onto the platform to the East meant for circumbulating the shrine. The outer wall of the shrine and the large hall are single pilastered turreted walls. Dvarapalas can be found at the entrance of Antrala. The Sanctum is square in plan.

Presiding Deity is called as Saumya Kesava. He is housed in the sanctum. He is a six feet tall image of Keshava, a form of Lord Vishnu, stands on a garuda (eagle) pedestal. He is in standing posture with his consorts Bhoo Devi and Neela Devi. He holds shanku (conch) in his right upper hand and chakra (the wheel) in left upper hand, padma (lotus) in his right lower hand and Gadha (his weapon) in his left lower hand.

Normally shanku is seen in left hand and chakra in right hand but in this temple they are changed. A prabhavali can be seen behind him displays ten incarnations of Vishnu. The tower over the shrine (shikhara) is plain without the typical ornamentation giving the temple as a whole an austere look. There is a Garuda pillar situated opposite to the entrance of Maha Mandapa.

This tall granite pillar has a square base topped with a tapering octagonal shaft. Garuda on west, Hanuman on north, Tripundara on east and a lion on south are depicted on the sides of the square base. It is about 55 feet high. A pulley system was used to light the lamp atop it. This system is still in use. Mother is called as Saumyanayaki. She is housed in a separate shrine, situated in the prakaram.

There is a raised platform called Bhuvaneswari Mantapa at the centre of Navaranga. The roof of this Mandapa is the main attraction in this temple. A lotus bud (which also looks like a conch) hangs down from the well carved roof with a snake (Adisesha) entwined around it. 108 conch motifs surrounds this sculpture. This is the only place where Adisesha can be seen sitting on top of Mandapa. He is sitting in Mandala Akara on top of Mandapa. He is sitting on a big Shanka.

It appears as if Adisesha is placed on heap of 108 Shanka. It is designed like a mandala and the town Nagamangala gets its name from this unique sculpture. The head of the snake represents Raahu and the tail represents Ketu and those who are affected by these according to their horoscope offer prayers to Saumyakeshava by standing beneath this sculpture. There are many shrines attached to the inner side of the prakara wall.

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, Nagamangala, Karnataka

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Nagamangala Town in Mandya District in Karnataka, India. The Temple is situated to the west of Saumyakeshava Temple.

History

During the rule of Veera Ballala II, Nagamangala prospered as an Agrahara (place of Hindu religious studies) and had the honorific Vira Ballala Chaturvedi Bhattaratnakara. As per local folklore, the town and the temples were built by a prince named Jaga Deva Raya, belonging to the family of the Mysore rulers. The above folklore is not true in historicity. The epigraphical evidences records Ganga king Marasimha II, who ruled between 963 – 975 CE. The town was under the rule of Western Chalukyas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara and post Vijayanagara rulers.

The Temple

The temple consists of a sanctum, antarala, navaranga, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum has a circumbulatory path around it. The sanctum houses an idol of Yoga Narasimha. The idol is very simple in appearance. Idols of Vishwakasena and Naga are present in the Navaranga. There is an opening in the floor in front of the Naga idol. It is believed to be a hole of an ancient Naga.

Connectivity

Location

Neelkantheshwar Temple, Udaypur, Madhya Pradesh

Neelkantheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udaypur town in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple is also called as Udayesvara Temple. It is one of the earliest example of Bhumija temple architecture of Paramara Dynasty. This Temple is a monument of national importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Building activities on only one day:

It is believed that this temple was built only on a single day of every month (i.e. in the Pushya Nakshatra). The sculptures, stones and other materials were made ready in other days. The building activities would start only at the time the Pushya Nakshatra.

Human figure in stone hanging near the top of the shikhara:

There is an interesting story of a human figure in stone hanging near the top of the shikhara. As per folklore, when the temple building activities was completed except placing the Kalash on top, a craftsman was tasked with placing the Kalash on top. He climbed up the shikara in the night and was astonished to see his work. He spent whole night admiring his work. When the sun rises, he was turned into a stone. Since, then he was hanging in Shikara.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/neelkantheshwar-temple-udaypur-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/neelkantheshwar-temple-udaypur-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Bareth Railway Station, 16 Kms from Ganj Basoda Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Ganj Basoda Railway Station, 64 Kms from Vidisha, 122 Kms from Bhopal and 128 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Regular bus service is available from Vidisha to Ganj Basoda and subsequently from Ganj Basoda to Udaypur. Nearest Railway Station is Bareth Railway Station, located on Bhopal – Bina line. Few trains from Bhopal stop at Bareth, many others stop at Ganj Basoda, another nearby Railway Station. Nearest airport is at Bhopal. Sihoniya is well connected to Moreno and Ambah by buses.

Location | Photos

Neelkantheshwar Temple, Udaypur – The Temple

This is an east facing Temple. The Temple was built of red sandstone and standing over a raised platform. This temple is Saptayatana (Seven shrine type) with one central large shrine surrounded by six smaller shrines. It is one of the earliest example of Bhumija temple architecture of Paramara Dynasty. The entrance to the temple is originally from east but it is closed now. The entrance is from western side. The temple consists of sanctum, Assembly Hall and three entrance porches. The assembly hall has three entrance porches, one to the front and two to the sides.

Sculptures of Ardhanareeshwara, Andhakantaka, Natesha, Mahakala, and Chamundi can be found in the external walls of assembly hall. There are Ashtadikpalakas (guardian deities of eight directions) can also be found in the external walls. Navadurgas can be found on the lintel of sanctum door and Navagrahas on assembly hall lintel. The Sanctum houses Neelkantheshwar, in the form of Lingam. The original Shiva Linga is covered by a brass Linga.

The brass one is lifted up to reveal the original for worship only during the festival of Mahashivaratri. It is said that the first rays of the Sun in the morning fall directly on the Shiva Linga twice a year around the equinoxes. The Shikhara is made up of miniature shrines of this temple all the way up culminating in the horizontal fluted disc called the Amalaka ending with the Kalash. There are even plans found etched in stone in the courtyard which are said to be the rudimentary drawings that were made prior to building this temple.

There are about 60 inscriptions at the entrance porch at eastern side. These inscriptions belonged to Paramaras, Tughluqs and various other dynasties who ruled over this region. There are inscriptions talks about the grants from King Udayaditya to this temple. There is an inscription mentions a festival of the god Udayesvara in 1338, the same year as the Tughluq inscription recording the construction of the mosque in the temple precinct.

Neelkantheshwar Temple, Udaypur – History

Udaypur was an important town under Paramara dynasty. King Bhoja (1010-1050 AD) developed this town during his regime. Udayaditya was a brother of Bhoja, the most renowned king of the Paramara dynasty. At the time of Bhoja's death, the Paramara kingdom suffered simultaneous invasions from its Chalukya and Kalachuri neighbors. Bhoja's successor Jayasimha, possibly his son, appears to have ascended the Paramara throne with the support of the Kalyani Chalukya prince Vikramaditya VI; he was probably dethroned by Vikramaditya's rival brother Someshwara II.

After Jayasimha, Udayaditya ascended the Paramara throne. Udaypur became famous and appears to have assumed its present name under the Udayaditya (1070 - 1093 AD). The Temple was built in the second half of the eleventh century and is the only surviving royal temple of the Paramara Kings. This town was annexed to Mughal empire and some monuments of little importance were erected during that regime.

The temple was protected and restored by the then Maharaj of Gwalior State Jiwaji Rao Scindia. The restoration work according to a stone engraving finished in 1929. The work of restoration of the temple was carried under the supervision of M. B. Garde, a renowned archaeologist. The monuments of Udaipur were first studied by M. B. Garde and published in the reports of the archaeological department of Gwalior state. The data in these reports was compiled into a list prepared in 1952.

Nav Toran Temple, Khor, Madhya Pradesh

Nav Toran Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple located in Khor Town in Neemuch District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is believed to be built in 11^th Century CE. Nav or nou means nine and Toran means pillars; this is where the temple gets its name. This Temple is situated near Vikram Cement campus. This monument has been declared to be of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958).

The Temple

It is a remnant of an 11th-century temple, consists of ten decorative arches arranged in two rows. One row arranged in lengthwise and other row is arranged in width wise. Both rows crossing each other at the centre and supported on a pair of pillars in the hall and porches. The temple is decorated with leaf-shaped borders, heads of makaras and garland bearers.

There is a statue of Varaha at the centre of the temple. There is a sanctum housing Shiva Lingam. It is said that there is a tunnel beneath the temple that goes to the Chittor Fort. Maharana Pratap often used to go through this tunnel to worship the deity of the temple from Chittor.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Jawad Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Jawad Road Railway Station, 19 Kms from Nimbahera, 19 Kms from Nimbahera Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Neemuch Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Neemuch Railway Station, 51 Kms from Chittorgarh, 110 Kms from Udaipur Airport and 385 Kms from Bhopal. The Temple is situated on Neemuch to Nimbahera Route.

Location

Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar, Madhya Pradesh

Sharda Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sharda, located in Maihar Town in Maihar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated at the top of Trikoota hill. The Temple is considered as one of the Sakthi Peethas, highly revered temples throughout South Asia, that commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/sharda-devi-temple-maihar-legends.html

History

The Temple was built around 502 AD. The idols of Sharda Mai and Narasimha were installed in the temple in the year 502 AD. Maihar is also known for the Indian Classical Music. Ustad Allauddin Khan founder of the Maihar Senia Gharana was from Maihar. He was awarded by the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour in 1971. His known students are Sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

The Temple

The Temple is situated at the top of Trikoota hill. There are 1,063 steps to reach the top of the hill. Road facility is also available for vehicles to a particular point only. People have to take the steps for the remaining distance. Rope car is provided for the disabled and the aged. Lodging facilities are available at the foot of the hill.

There are shrines for Gowri Shankar, Kala Bhairava, Ganesha, Durga, Karthik and Adi Sankaracharya in the temple premises. Presiding Deity is called as Sharada Devi / Maihar Devi / Saraswathi Devi. She is housed in the sanctum. There is an inscription at the feet of the stone idol of Mother. The Narasimha idol in the temple is also very old.

It is said that a devotee Noopula Deva by name installed these idols in the temple in the year AD 502. There is a pond called Alha pond named after Alha downhill behind the temple. An Akhara (wrestling ring) where Alha and Udal used to practice kushti (wrestling) can be found at about 2 Kms from Alha Pond.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Festivals

Navaratri in September-October, Ram Navami and Ashtami days are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

People pray in the temple to achieve high ranks in academic field and for child boon. Devotees perform milk abishek to Mother and offer pudding nivedhana.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Maihar Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Maihar Railway Station, 46 Kms from Satna, 69 Kms from Katni, 97 Kms from Panna, 139 Kms from Khajuraho, 164 Kms from Jabalpur, 174 Kms from Jabalpur Airport, 220 Kms from Prayagraj Airport, and 422 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Maihar is connected via both major rail routes and National Highway 7. The Mahakoshal Express provides a daily direct connection from Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station. Maihar railway station is situated in between Katni and Satna stations of the West Central Railway.

Location

Sharda Devi Temple, Maihar – Legends

Shakthi Peethas:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

She cursed Daksha for acting so atrociously toward her and Shiva and reminded him that his haughty behaviour had blinded his intellect. She cursed him and warned that the wrath of Shiva would destroy him and his empire. Unable to bear further humiliation, Sati committed suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire. The onlookers tried to save her, but it was too late. They were only able to retrieve the half-burnt body of Sati.

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

Aftermath:

Relationship with warriors Alha and Udal:

As per local folklore, the warriors Alha and Udal lived under King Paramardi Deva Chandel in medieval era. He had war with Prithvi Raj Chauhan. The warriors were very strong followers of Sharda Devi. It is said that they were the first ones to visit the goddess in this remote forest. They called the mother goddess by the name Sharda Mai, and henceforth she became popularly called as Mata Sharda Mai.

Alha worshiped for 12 years and got the amaratva with the blessings of Sharda Devi. There is a pond called Alha pond named after Alha downhill behind the temple. An Akhara (wrestling ring) where Alha and Udal used to practice kushti (wrestling) can be found at about 2 Kms from Alha Pond. The people of Maihar believe that Alha is still alive and comes at 4:00 a.m. to worship the Goddess Sharda.

Ma Sharda:

As per local folklore, that there was a cowboy used to go to the Trikoot hill for grazing the cattle. One day, he saw one golden coloured cow in his cattle, but it had vanished while returned to shed. He was very much surprised and decided to find the reason for its disappearance. The next day at the time of his return, that The next day, the golden cow went the other way while all the other cows went into shed. The boy decided to follow the cow. After going certain distance, the cow entered a cave and door of the cave got closed.

Despite his repeated calls nobody opened the door and the boy kept waiting there. A few hours later a very old lady opened the door and enquired the boy about his problem. Thereupon he said he wanted some remuneration for grazing her cow. The old lady gave him some grains and advised him not to come here again. The boy asked her how she lived there alone she said that was her home. The boy returned home and found that the grains had turned into costly jewels and gems.

He thought these things were useless for him, so he went to the king and gave him the same and told him the entire story. The king wondered and asked him to take him to that place the next day. The King had a dream at same night wherein that old lady told him that she is Adi Shakti Maa Sharada and asked him to build a shed over her idol at the top of the hill and arrange the required passage so as to facilitate her devotees to come to her and offer their prayers. The King accordingly made all arrangements.

Mahua Shiva Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Mahua Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahua, a small village in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Mahua village is famous for its three ancient temples. Mahua can be the same Madhumati mentioned in the Rannod inscription.

The Temple

This is an east facing temple. The Temple is Pancharatha on plan. The Temple follows Nagara style architecture. The Temple consists of sanctum, antarala and mukha mandapa. The shikara over the sanctum is in ruined state. The sanctum doorway was flanked by river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. Garuda can be found at lalata bimba (lintel center) with two Vidyadharas holding a crown above him.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Kadwaya, 12 Kms from Rannod, 59 Kms from Badarwas Railway Station, 61 Kms from Chanderi, 73 Kms from Shivapuri and 261 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Mahua can be reached from Shivapuri or Chanderi. There is no public transport facility to reach this place. Taxis has to be arranged to reach this place.

Location

Shiva Mandapika Temple, Mahua, Madhya Pradesh

Shiva Mandapika Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahua, a small village in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Mahua village is famous for its three ancient temples. Mahua can be the same Madhumati mentioned in the Rannod inscription. Shiva Mandapika Temple is considered as the most ancient temple and can be dated to 7^th Century CE.

The Temple

The Temple is built over raised platform. The temple is Pancharatha on plan. The Temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. There is no shikara (tower) over sanctum. The doorjamb is plain devoid of any decoration. The sanctum is empty at present. Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardhini and Varaha are the niche images found on the external walls. There is a foundation inscription found in the porch lintel of the temple dating the temple to 7^th Century CE.

Connectivity

Location

Chamunda Temple, Mahua, Madhya Pradesh

Chamunda Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Mahua, a small village in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is also known as Kherapati Temple. Mahua village is famous for its three ancient temples. Mahua can be the same Madhumati mentioned in the Rannod inscription.

The Temple

This is a north facing temple. The Temple consists of sanctum and antrala. There is no shikara (tower) over the sanctum. The sanctum doorway was flanked by river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. Vishnu riding over Garuda can be seen at Lalata bimba. The sanctum houses a life size idol of Chamunda. She is with ten arms holding khatvanga, snake, human head, trishula, Damaru etc. Kartikeya, Durga, Ganesha, Parvati and Narasimha are the niche images around the external walls.

Connectivity

Location

Kakanmath Temple, Sihoniya, Madhya Pradesh

Kakanmath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sihoniya town in Morena District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple was constructed by Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirttiraja. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per local folklore, the temple was named as Kakanmath after Kakanwati, queen of Suraj Sen, the founder of Gwalior. As per another hearsay, the temple derives its name from Kanak (gold) and matha (shrine).

History

Kakanmath Temple was constructed by Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirttiraja (1015-1035 CE). This can be confirmed from a Kachchhapaghata inscription found at the Sas Bahu Temple in Gwalior. The inscription states that Kirttiraja built an extraordinary temple devoted to Lord Shiva at Simhapaniya (modern Sihoniya). There is a Sanskrit language inscription on a pillar in the temple dated to 1508 CE records the renovation of the Mahadeva temple by Durga Prasada.

A 1555 CE inscription on a pillar in the temple records the visit of a pilgrim named Dekhana during the reign of Dungara (a Tomar ruler of Gwalior). It states that Dekhana was the son of Kakala, and a resident of Nalapuragadha. The Temple suffered destruction by the armies of Aibak and Iltutmish in the 13^th century CE and further by an earthquake. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/kakanmath-temple-sihoniya-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Sihoniya, 17 Kms from Ambah, 25 Kms from Gohad Road Railway Station, 32 Kms from Morena Railway Station, 33 Kms from Moreno, 52 Kms from Gwalior Airport, 59 Kms from Gwalior and 108 Kms from Agra.

Location | Photos

Kakanmath Temple, Sihoniya – The Temple

Kakanmath Temple is similar to the temples at Khajuraho in terms of structure and design. This temple is in partial ruined state and is facing east. The temple complex stands on raised ornate platform approached through steps on the eastern side. The temple complex was originally a Panchayatana design, with four subsidiary shrines around the sanctum. All the subsidiary shrines are completely lost except their foundations.

The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Artha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The Antrala is supported by four pillars and Artha Mandapam is supported by sixteen pillars. The sanctum doorway was flanked by river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna and Dvarapalas. The temple has a circumambulatory path around the sanctum. The Shikara (tower) over the sanctum is in ruined state. It is about 30 meters (about 100 feet) high.

Ashta Dikpalas (guardian deities of eight directions) can be found on the external walls of the temple facing their respecting directions. The temple is very rich in its sculptures and carvings. Sculptures of Kalyana Sundaramurti, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Parvati, Kaumari, Brahmi, Maheshwari, Vishnu, Brahma, Mithuna reliefs, amorous couples and dancing figures can be found on the walls of the temple.

The steps at the entrance once had two large lion statues, which are now located at the entrance of the Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. Many other sculptures from this temple have also been taken to Archaeological Museum, Gwalior. Among these, the notable ones are ten-armed Vishnu in Vishwarupa form and Rama with Sita holding a bow.

Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Harsiddhi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located at Ujjain City in Ujjain District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. This Temple is situated on top of a hillock to the west of Mahakaleshwar Temple on the banks of Shipra river. This Temple is considered as one among the revered 51 Shakthi Peeth.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/harsiddhi-temple-ujjain-legends.html

History

The original temple at this site was supposed to be built by King Vikramaditya. The present temple is built in 1300 AD by a merchant Jagdu Shah. The Temple was heavily renovated by Maratha rulers.

The Temple

This Temple is situated on top of a hillock to the west of Mahakaleshwar Temple on the banks of Shipra river. There are idols of Bhairav on both side of entrance. Mother Harsiddhi is present over Shri Yantra in the sanctum along with Sarasvati and Lakshmi. The idol is made up of a rock which is smeared with turmeric and vermilion. The idol of Jagdu Shah is also situated to the right of Goddess’s idol inside the temple, which is also being worshiped as per boon given to Jagdu Shah that his name, henceforth, will forever be associated with this temple.

There is also another Shri Yantra in the assembly hall with fifty-one pictures of goddesses with the Beej Mantra. There are two large stone lamp post smaller is female and larger is male, at a time eleven hundred lamps are lighted. There is a 10^th century step well built during Paramara rulers in the temple premises. Karkoteshwar Mahadev Shrine and Annapurna Shrine can be found in the Temple premises.

Festivals

Navaratri, Durga puja, Magha Purnima, Falgun Purnima, Paush Purnima, and Diwali are the festivals celebrated here. During Navratri devotees throng the temple in large numbers. Maha Kumbh Mela also attracts a large number of pilgrims.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/10/harsiddhi-temple-ujjain-connectivity.html

Location

Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Shaheed Raja Bhau Mahakal Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Ujjain Junction Railway Station, 5 Kms from Nana Kheda Bus Stand, 41 Kms from Dewas, 57 Kms from Indore, 58 Kms from Indore Airport and 195 Kms from Bhopal. The Temple is situated in between Mahakaleshwar Temple and Ramghat. Ujjain is very well linked with Indore city and can be reached easily by road and train.

By Road:

Dewas Gate Stand and Nana Kheda Bus Stand are the two bus stands in the city that provide service to destinations located in the states. A large number of state run private buses are available for Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, Khajuraho, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Mumbai, Kota, Mandu, Jhalawar and various other locations. There are three state highways; 18 connects to Ahmedabad, 17 connects to Jaora and 27 connects to Indore. Ujjain depends on an extensive network of auto rickshaws, city busses, private taxis and Tata Magic, that operate throughout the city, connecting one part with another. UMC has recently introduced city buses with a public private partnership project.

By Train:

Ujjain Junction is the main railway station of Ujjain, and it is directly or indirectly well-connected to all the major railway stations in India. It lies on the Ratlam–Bhopal, Indore–Nagda and Guna–Khandwa route. To the west it is connected to Ratlam Junction, to the north it is connected with Nagda Junction, to the east it is connected with Maksi Junction & Bhopal Junction, and to the south it is connected to Indore Junction BG & Dewas Junction.

By Air:

Ujjain does not have any airport but has an airstrip on Dewas road which is used for air transport purposes. The nearest airport is the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport at Indore.

Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain – Legends

Sakthi Peetha:

Sati-Shiva marriage:

Brahma's Yajna:

Daksha Yaga:

Dadhichi – Daksha argument:

Sati's Death:

Destruction of the Yajna by Lord Shiva:

The Vayu Purana mentions the attack of Bhutaganas: the nose of some goddesses was cut, Yama's staff bone was broken, Mitra's eyes were pulled out, Indra was trampled by Virabhadra and Bhutaganas, Pushan's teeth were knocked out, Chandra was beaten heavily, all of the Prajapatis' were beaten, the hands of Vahini were cut off, and Bhrigu's beard was cut off. Daksha was caught and decapitated, the attack culminated when the Bhutaganas started plucking out Bhrigu’s white beard as a victory souvenir.

Aftermath:

These places commemorating each body part came to be known as the Shakti Peethas. There are 51 Shakti Peethas, representing the 51 letters of Sanskrit. Some of the puranas which came in later ages gave more importance to their supreme deity (depending on Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta sects) in their literature. Shiva went to isolation and solitude for ages and wandered all around until Sati reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of the King Himavan. Like Sati, Parvati took severe austerities and gave away all her royal privileges and went to forest. Shiva tested her affection and devotion in disguise. He eventually realized Parvati is Sati herself. Shiva later married Parvati.

Harsiddhi:

Once upon a time, the demons named Chanda and Prachanda conquered the entire gods and they attacked Kailasa too. At that time, Lord Shiva and Parvati were playing dice. Chanda and Prachanda defeated Nandi. They were about to destroy Kailasa. Just then Lord Shiva meditated on Shakti. She appeared in the form of Hara Siddhi and killed the demons. Hara siddhi is Mangala Chandi, who gave courage to Lord Shiva to kill Tripurasuras.

Original seat of Harsiddhi Mata:

The original seat of Harsiddhi Mata is at Kyolo Dungar Miyani, Porbandar Gujarat. It is said to be built by Lord Krishna who worshiped Amba Mata to defeat the demon King Jarasandha after the win he built the temple at this place and accepted her as his Kul Devi. Once, King Vikramaditya visited the Kyolo Dungar to pay his respect at the temple, he was blessed by the Harsiddhi Devi and asked him for a boon, King requested her to come and stay at Ujjain where he will worship her daily, Devi accepted the request and put a condition that she will stay at night in Ujjain and during the day she will be present at Miyani Gujarat.

Kuldevi of King Vikramaditya:

The temple was built by King Vikramaditya. Maha Kali or Hara Siddha Mata was the Kuldevi of King Vikramaditya. The king worshipped the goddess with great devotion and dedicated his head 11 times to the goddess but the powerful, lovingly goddess brought him to life again every time with motherly affection. The king was famous for his nobleness, valour and intellect. He was blessed by the Devi. Harsiddhi Mata is also known as Vahanvati Mata.

Chamunda:

Harsiddhi is also known as Chamunda who killed the demon Andhakasur. He was blessed with a boon that each drop of his blood that fell on the ground would produce a new Andhakasur. When Lord Shiva pierced him with Trishul, Goddess Chamunda drank the blood of Andhakasur to prevent the blood from falling on the ground. At last, the demon was killed.

Kuldevi:

She is worshiped as Kuldevi by many Kshatriya and Rajput communities. The Chandrana clan of Lohanas, Brahma Kshatriyas and many Jain castes along with Brahmin and Vaishya communities also worship her as their Kuldevi. She is also religiously worshiped by fishermen and other sea-faring tribes and people of Gujarat.

Mahakuta Group of Temples, Karnataka

Mahakuta Group of Temples is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahakuta village near Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, India. The temples in this complex also reflect the prominent features of temples in this region which merge the best features of the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple building.

History

The temples are dated to the 6^th or 7^th century CE and were constructed by the early kings of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. The dating of the temples is based on the style of architecture which is similar to that of the temples in nearby Aihole and the information in two notable inscriptions in the complex: the Mahakuta Pillar inscription dated between 595–602 CE (written in the Sanskrit language and Kannada script) and an inscription (written in the Kannada language and script) of Vinapoti, a concubine of king Vijayaditya, dated between 696–733 CE.

The Mahakuta Pillar inscription, dated variously between 595–602 CE records a grant made by Durlabhadevi, a queen of Pulakeshin I (the father of king Mangalesha). The queen supplemented an earlier grant with an endowment of ten villages, including Pattadakal and Aihole to Lord Mahakuteswara. In addition, the inscription provides important information about the Chalukyan lineage, their military expeditions, their conquests and early monuments.

The pillar goes by the name Dharma Jaya Stambha (Pillar of victory of religion) and is on exhibition at a Bijapur archaeological museum. The other inscription, ascribed to Vinapoti, a concubine of king Vijayaditya, is inscribed in the porch of the Mahakuteswara temple. It describes a grant of rubies and a silver umbrella to the deity Mahakuteswara in addition to a piece of land.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/mahakuta-group-of-temples-temple-complex.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Nandakeshwar, 6 Kms from Badami Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Badami, 10 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 26 Kms from Pattadakal, 39 Kms from Bagalkot, 39 Kms from Aihole, 115 Kms from Hubli Airport and 453 Kms from Bangalore. This temple complex is situated close to historical Badami town.

Location | Photos

Mahakuta Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

The Temple complex is a cluster of several shrines mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among the several shrines in the complex, the Mahakuteswara temple, built in the dravida style, and the Mallikarjuna temple are the largest. The temples in this complex also reflect the prominent features of temples in this region which merge the best features of the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple building. The temples share the common Chalukya style followed at Aihole temples.

Mahakuteswara is the only renovated and largest temple in the Mahakuta group of temples. The Mahakuteswara temple is the main shrine and still in worship. Sangameshwara temple is situated next to Mahakuteswara temple. There are several small shrines around the main shrine with great carvings on the walls. Some of the smaller shrines have wonderful carvings on the outer walls and the pillars inside. Most of the temples faces east. The temple complex is surrounded by compound walls.

Broken idols, sculptures and temple fragments can be seen in the temple complex. A natural mountain spring flows within the temple complex and feeds fresh water into a large tank called the Vishnu Pushkarni and an ablution tank called Papavinasha Tirtha. There is a four pillared small shrine in the centre of the Vishnu Pushkarni tank housing Pancha Mukha Linga (five faced Linga), one face for each direction and one on top. The temple charges a nominal fee of Rs 10 for taking bath in Vishnu Pushkarini.

Mahalingeshvara Temple, Santebachalli, Karnataka

Mahalingeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Santebachalli Village in Mandya district, Karnataka state, India. The Temple follows Hoysala era architecture and believed to be built during 12^th century CE. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is an ekakuta shrine (single shrine with a superstructure). This temple consists of a closed mandapa, antrala and Sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Shravanabelagola, 18 Kms from Shravanabelagola Railway Station, 27 Kms from Nagamangala, 57 Kms from Mandya and 167 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Shravanabelagola to Nagamangala Route. Devotees need to travel in this route, take a left turn before Aghalaya and travel for about 8 Kms to reach this temple.

Location

Nimishamba Temple, Srirangapatna, Karnataka

Nimishamba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Ganjam Village in Srirangapatna Town in Mandya District in Karnataka, India. The temple is situated in the island of Srirangapatna at a higher elevation on the banks of the Cauvery River.

Legends

Sumanaska decided to perform Poundarika Yagna for the benefit of earth as per instructions of Lord Shiva. Sumanaska gave the responsibilities of performing this Yagna to Mukthaka Rishi. Narada came to know about this Yagna from Janu and Sumandalas. He decided to give trouble to this Yagna and consulted with Sukracharya. Janu and Sumandalas sent their army along with their ministers namely Shoorabahu and Ghatodaras to disrupt the Yagna.

Their army was destroyed by Mukthaka. Janu and Sumandalas were on hearing their army defeat. Hence, they decided to battle Mukthaka Rishi by themselves. Mukthaka Rishi was defeated by them. Defeated Mukthaka prayed to Mother Parvathy. Mother Parvathy emerged from the Yagna Kunda to confront Janu and Sumandalas.

She knew that Janu and Sumandalas were blessed by Lord Brahma and got a boon that their deaths would not happen with any sort of weapons. Hence, Mother Parvathy killed them with her sixth sense and made sure that the Yagna was completed without any hinderance. Mukthaka Rishi became very happy and called Mother Parvathy as Nimishamba as she came to help him within a minute of his prayers.

History

The Temple is believed to be built during the reign of Raja Wodeyar I (1578-1617 A.D) who ascended the Mysore throne at Srirangapatna. The temple is under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Karnataka State.

The Temple

The temple is situated in the island of Srirangapatna at a higher elevation on the banks of the Cauvery River. There are neatly cut steps to reach carvery river. The Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. The Sanctum housing Goddess Nimishamba is situated to the right side immediately after the Rajagopuram. Sri Chakra is placed in front of the Goddess. There is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva called Moukthikeshwara Swamy adjoining the sanctum.

Nandi can be found facing the Lord Shiva Shrine. There is a shrine dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana can be found besides Lord Shiva Shrine. All the three shrines are situated in a row facing east. The Temple does not have Sukanasi and Navaranga. It has only a Mukha Mandapa. There are shrines of Ganesha, Surya Narayana and Hanuman can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Nimishamba Jayanthi Mahotsava on Vaisakha Shudha Dashami day in every year, Navaratri, Shivaratri, Ugadi, Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali, Pournami, and Vasavamba Jayanthi are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

There is a belief that Goddess Nimishamba will remove all the problems and troubles of her devotees within a minute. Devotees pray here to remove marriage obstacles.

Contact

Nimishamba Temple

Ganjam, Srirangapatna,

Mandya District,

Karnataka – 571 438

Phone: +91 8236 252 640 / 252 641

Email: srinimishambatemple@gmail.com

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Srirangapatna Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Srirangapatna Railway Station, 22 Kms from Mysuru, 27 Kms from Mandya, 30 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 125 Kms from Bengaluru and 167 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Srirangapatna is easily accessible by train from Bengaluru and Mysore and is also well-connected by road, as it lies just off the Bangalore – Mysore National Highway 275.

Location

Panchalingeshwara Temple, Govindanahalli, Karnataka

Panchalingeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Govindanahalli Village near Kikkeri in Mandya district, Karnataka state, India. The Temple is a rare example of a Panchakuta (five shrines with five towers) construction in Hoysala architecture. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was constructed around 1238 A.D. during the reign of the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara. Ruvari Mallitamma, famous sculptor of Hoysala times, is known to have made contributions to the temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/panchalingeshwara-temple-govindanahalli-temple.html

Inscriptions

There is an inscription dated to 1237 CE during the reign of Hoysala King Someshwara on a stone slab in the temple. This inscription talks about the lineage of Hoysala Kings and grant of a village for the maintenance of the village. There is a label inscription on the pedestals of the dvarapalas at the entrance porch of the temple. The label read as Ruvari Mallitamma. The sculptures on the outer walls of the temple has label inscriptions namely Keshava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusudhana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Rishikeshi, Padmanaba and Damodara.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Kikkeri Bus Stop, 21 Kms from Channarayapatna, 22 Kms from Holenarasipur Railway Station, 23 Kms from Holenarasipur, 58 Kms from Hassan, 59 Kms from Srirangapatna, 75 Kms from Mandya, 168 Kms from Bengaluru and 189 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. National Highway 75 connects Channarayapatna from Bangalore. Take KSRTC buses travelling between Bangalore and Hassan, Mangalore. Get into these buses and travel up to Channarayapatna. Get down at Channarayapatna and take any bus travelling towards Mysore and get down at Kikkeri. Hire an Auto to reach this temple from Kikkeri.

Location | Photos

Panchalingeshwara Temple, Govindanahalli – The Temple

Panchalingeshwara Temple is a rare example of a Panchakuta (five shrines with five towers) construction in Hoysala architecture. The Temple complex was originally built as Chatushkuta (four shrined). However, there was an addition of another shrine on the eastern side made the temple complex fall under Panchakuta type. The five shrines are built on a north-south axial plan with the sanctums face east.

The Sanctum of each shrine is guarded by dvarapalas. The sanctum (garbhagriha) of each shrine is connected to navaranga hall by a vestibule with sukanasi above. Each of the shrines houses a Linga representing five different aspects or manifestations of Lord Shiva. The five Lingas are named Sadyojatheshwara, Vamadeveshwara, Aghoreshwara, Tatpurusheshwara and Ishaneshwara from north to south. The fifth kuta is a later addition and has differently styled pillars.

Depictions of Lord Shiva and Parvathy accompanied by Nandi, Ganesha and Karthikeya can be seen on the top of the lintel of the shrines. A long-pillared hall on the east connects the individual mantapa together. The entrance to the temple complex is via two porched entrances whose ceiling are supported by lathe turned pillars. The porches are located in front of the second and third shrines. These porched entrances houses a Nandi each.

Each entrance is guarded by dvarapalas. The tower over each shrine (shikhara) comprises the standard three tiers of roofs with each vertically ascending tier diminishing in height. Above this is a structure called the stupi that holds the finial, a decorative water-pot like structure called the Kalasha. The vestibule of each shrine has a low protruding tower (also called sukanasi). This tower is shorter than the main tower over the shrine and hence appears like an extension of it.

The inner walls of the each mantapa have seventeen niches many of which house sculptures of merit. The entire wall facing towards the east direction is decorated with perforation so that natural sunlight lights the temple premises. There is a twin snake sculpture intertwined together in the temple premises. The male snake with seven head and the female snake with five heads is a unique sculpture which can be seen only in Panchalingeshwara Temple.

There is an idol of Ganapathi holding a weapon in the temple premises. It gives a metallic sound when struck. The outer wall comprises of miniature decorative towers. Each tower is unique and there is no repetition at all. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the outer walls of the temple are carved with sculptures depicting various forms of Vishnu and Vaishnava characters in majority.

This might be due to the construction activities carried out during two different phases of Hoysala rule. The sculptures found in the outer walls are Seshayee Vishnu, Vamana, Trivikrama, Narasimha, Kalinga Mardana Krishna, Varaha, Lakshmi Narayana on Garuda, Venugopal, Vithoba, miniature forms of Matsya & Kurma, Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Bhairava, Mahishasuramardhini, Brahma, Saraswathi, Indra and Arjuna.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hampi in Ballari District of Karnataka, India. Presiding Deity is called as Virupaksha and Mother is called as Pampa Devi. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River, to the north of the Hemakuta Hill. This Temple is under the control of ASI.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/virupaksha-temple-hampi-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/virupaksha-temple-hampi-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/virupaksha-temple-hampi-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Entry Fees

· Per head Rs 5/-

· Shoe Taker Rs 2/-

· Photography Allowed (But prohibited inside Sanctum Sanctorum)

· Still Camera Rs 50/-

· Guide Availability Rs 500/-

Festivals

Ekantha Seva, Giri Pradakshina, Dolotsava, Phalapuja, Magha Suddha Chaturdashi, Purnima, Kalyana Utsava, Maga Bahula Bidige, Ramanavami, Hampi Rathotsava, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navaratri and Shivaratri are the festivals celebrated here. Hampi Rathotsava, the annual chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheswar and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Hosapete KSRTC Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Hosapete Junction Railway Station, 59 Kms from Ballari Airport, 168 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 341 Kms from Bengaluru. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates daily buses to Hosapete from Bangalore, Mysore and Gokarna. From Hosapete you can go to Hampi on a local bus. The local buses take about half an hour to reach Hampi.

Location | Photos

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – History

Hampi was called as Pampa Kshetra, Kishkinta Kshetra and Bhaskara Kshetra during ancient times. Hampi is considered as part of Dandakaranya and Kishkinta Kshetra of the Ramayana. Hampi was under the control of Mauryas as evidenced by the presence of rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka in Udegolam, Nittur and Koppal nearer to Hampi. Inscriptions from Satavahanas, successors of Mauryan dynasty, are found in the vicinity of Hirehadagali and Macadony.

The presence of these inscriptions confirms the region was under the sway of Satavahanas. A Brahmi inscription and a Terracotta seal dated to 2^nd Century AD were found during excavation here. The region was under the control of the early dynasties like Kadambas, the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rashtrakuta, the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Hoysalas. There are two inscriptions dated to 10^th and 11^th century A.D. refer to goddess Pampa.

There is an inscription dated to Bijjala II of Kalachuri of Kalyani in 1165 AD refers to Virupaksha. There is another inscription dated to 1236 AD talks about grant given to temple. There is an inscription dated to 1199 AD can be seen in the Durga temple, situated on the banks of Manmatha Honda refers to Pampa and Rachamallesa. This temple was in existence from 7^th Century AD.

Evidence indicates that there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. The huge temple building was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple reached its golden period during 14^th century AD under Vijayanagara rulers. The temple suffered extensive damages by Muslim invaders in 16^th Century AD. However, the temple survived the Muslim onslaught. The temple went major renovations at the beginning of 19^th Century AD.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – Legends

Athma Linga:

As per legend, Ravana's mother, a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, was worshipping a Shiva Linga to bring prosperity to her son. Indra, the Lord of Heaven, who was jealous of this worship, stole the Shiva Linga and threw it away into the Sea. The distraught mother of Ravana went on a hunger strike as her devotional worship of Shiva was disrupted. Ravana then promised his mother that he would go to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, and bring the main Atmalinga itself for her worship.

Ravana then performed severe penance at Mount Kailash to please Lord Shiva and also sang, in his melodious voice, praises of Shiva (Shiva Tandava Stotram). He even chopped his own head and made a harp with threads drawn from his skin and intestine. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion, appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. By this time Narada had asked Lord Vishnu to change Ravana's mind.

As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiva offers fake Parvati to him. On his way back to Lanka Narada tells Ravana that Lord had not given him the real Parvathi and that the real Parvathi was in Pathala. So Ravana frees his companion, goes to Pathala and marries a king's daughter, Mandodari. Ravana returned to Lanka, where his mother asked him for the Athma Linga. Ravana realized the tricks played on him by Lord Vishnu.

He therefore prayed to Lord Shiva again, begging for his forgiveness. Lord Shiva appeared and this time, Ravana requests the Athma Linga as his boon. Lord Shiva agrees to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the Athma Linga was ever placed on the ground, it would remain rooted at that spot. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

As Ravana was nearing Hampi, Lord Vishnu blotted out the sun to give the appearance of dusk. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the Athma Linga in his hands, he would not be able to do it. At this time, Lord Ganesha in the disguise of an old man accosted him. Ravana requested him to hold the Athma Linga until he performed his rituals and asked him not to place it on the ground.

Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the Athma Linga on the ground. Ganesha called out thrice rapidly but Ravana couldn't come within the specified time. Even before Ravana could return, Lord Ganesha placed the Atmalinga on the ground, tricked Ravana and vanished from the scene. Then, Ravana tried hard to lift the Shiv Linga but failed as it was firmly fixed. Eventually, Ravana left Shiva Linga and went to Lanka. Since then, the Athma Linga is here.

Pampapati:

As per legend, Pampa, daughter of Lord Brahma, performed severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. She succeeded in marrying Lord Shiva here. The bank on which Pampa performed penance is called as Pampa Sarovara. This marriage is being celebrated even today as Kalyanotsavam of Pampa and Virupaksha. After the marriage he came to be called as Pampapati and the place came to be called as Pampa Kshetra or Pampapura.

Pampa Kshetra:

Hampi is recognized as Pampa Kshetra, Kishkinta Kshetra, or Bhaskara Kshetra right from the early times. This region is associated with Dandakaranya and Kishkinda Kshetra of the Ramayana.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with nine tiered Rajagopuram and has two prakaras. This Rajagopuram is about 160 feet tall. This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. There is a second level three tiered gopuram to the inner prakara.

Deepa Sthamba, Bali Peedam, Dhwaja Sthamba and Nandi can be found immediately after the second level gopura, facing the sanctum. There is a five-tiered gopuram on the northern side of prakaram. It is popularly called as Kanakagiri Gopura. This gopura leads to group of temples with Manmatha Tank and further leads to the river.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, two Antralas, Navaranga, Ranga Mandapa and Pradakshina Pada. The Navaranga can be entered through north, south and eastern side. The north and southern side entrance have porches. The east side entrance leads to Ranga Mandapa. Nandi can be found in the centre of Navaranga on raised platform facing the sanctum.

The Sanctum is square in plan surrounded by the Pradakshina Pada. Presiding deity is called as Virupaksheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Vahana Mandapa can be seen at the eastern corner of the inner prakaram.

Pampa Devi Shrine is situated on the western prakaram. Her shrine is facing towards south. Her Shrine consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Navaranga. Idols of Hanuman and Dhanvatri can be seen on a raised platform next to Pampa Devi Shrine. Sayana Griha of Virupaksha can be seen nearby. Bhuvaneshwari Shrine is situated in the inner prakaram. Her shrine consists of Sanctum and Sabha Mandapa. Her shrine is facing towards south.

Gulaganji Madhava Shrine is situated near Bhuvaneshwari Shrine. This Shrine is facing towards east. The sanctum houses a Linga on a circular pitha. An idol of Lord Vishnu is placed on the western wall called as Gulaganji Madhava. There is a shrine to Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in this temple.

There are shrines for Venkateswara, Hanuman, Rudraksha Linga, Ratna Garbha Ganapati, Chamundeshwari, Vahini Durga Devi, Kala Bhairavi, Suryanarayana, Pataleswara, Navagrahas, Nava Durga, Tarakesvara, Mukthi Narasimha, Ganapathy, Bhairava, Saraswathi, Mahishasura Mardhini, Kumaraswamy, Thandaveswara, Anjaneya and Vinayaga, in the temple premises.

The outer enclosure houses a 100 pillared hall called Kalyana Mantapa at the far-right corner, administrative offices, the ticket counter, a police outpost and an old well. A kitchen complex projects out of the compound overlapping the two courts at the south wall. A narrow passage on the wall of the 100 pillared hall gives access to the kitchen.

A narrow channel of the Tungabhadra River flows along the temple's terrace and then descends to the temple-kitchen and out through the outer court. There are several dilapidated mandapams can be seen around this temple. There were ruins of ancient shopping centre interlined with mandapams in front of this temple.

Murals dating back to Vijayanagara period can be seen in the temple premises. Most of the outstanding murals like Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in procession, story of Dikpalakas, ten incarnations of Vishnu, Girija Kalayana, scene from Mahabharata depicting Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi hand in marriage, Tripurari etc. can be seen in Ranga Mantapa.

Kutei Tundi Mahadeva Temple, Khiching, Odisha

Kutei Tundi Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khiching village in Mayurbhanj District in Odisha, India. The Temple lies in between the two hill streams of Khairabandhana and Kantakhaira.

History

The temple is believed to be built by Bhanja rulers of Khijjinga Mandala in 10^th Century CE. The temple was in dilapidated state in the early 20^th Century CE. King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo reconstructed the temple in 1934 CE. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. It consists of a square rekha vimana with a frontal porch. Both stands over a raised platform. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The presiding deity is a Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha. Nandi can be seen facing the sanctum. Fragment of an amalakasila is found in the temple premise.

The temple is decorated with architectural motifs such as vajramundi niches in jangha, ghatapallava pilasters and vajramastaka in the frontal raha; decorative motifs like scroll work, beaded border, padmaprustha design, chaitya motifs; images of Mithuna, maithuna, human figures, dwarf, swan, elephant and bull.

Festivals

Sitalasasti, Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Singada Chowk, 16 Kms from Singada, 27 Kms from Karanjia, 31 Kms from Jashipur, 44 Kms from Keonjhar Railway Station, 49 Kms from Keonjhar, 69 Kms from Rairangpur, 126 Kms from Baripada, 164 Kms from Balasore, 241 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 245 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is located at about 14 Kms to the north of the National Highway No. 06, from Singada Chowk. Regular bus services are available from Singada, Karanjia, Rairangpur, Jashipur, Baripada and Keonjhar.

Location

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi, Karnataka

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nandi village, at the base of Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka state, India. The temple complex has two large shrines namely Arunachaleswara shrine & Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine and a minor shrine namely Uma Maheshwara Shrine. There is another shrine situated on hill top dedicated to Yoga Nandeeshwara. This temple is considered as one of the oldest temples of Karnataka, dates back to the early 9^th century. The Temple is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

History

The original temple in the complex, identified as one of the oldest temples of Karnataka, dates back to the early 9^th century CE. The Temple was originally constructed by the Bana Queen Ratnavali in the 9th Century and later the Chola kings added the roof in the 11th century, the Hoysala dynasty added the marriage hall to the temple structure and the Vijayanagar kings added the Kalyana Mandapa and the Tulabhara Mandapa in the 13th century. The earliest inscriptions referring to the construction of the temple for Shiva, according to the Archaeological Survey of India, are from Nolamba dynasty ruler Nolambadiraja and the Rashtrakuta emperor Govinda III dated 806 CE.

The copper plates of the Bana rulers Jayateja and Dattiya of about 810 CE refer to the construction and grants to the Siva temple at Nandi. Nandi formed part of the Bana-Nolamba territory during fourth to tenth centuries A.D. The temple was later under the patronage of successive notable South Indian dynasties namely the Ganga Dynasty, the Chola dynasty, the Hoysala Empire and the Vijayanagara Empire. The local chiefs of Chikaballapura and the rulers of the Mysore Kingdom (Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan) controlled the temple before it eventually came under British rule after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 CE. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/bhoga-nandeeshwara-temple-nandi-temple.html

Festivals

There are many Shiva related festivals held in this temple throughout the year. Thrice a year, on main Hindu festival days like Deepavali, 100,000 lamps are lit on the rock cut steps of the pond.

Prayers

Newly married couples often visit this temple to take the blessings of Shiva and Parvati as the temple depicts the wedding scenes between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Nandi Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Nandi Halt Railway Station, 7 Kms from Chikkaballapur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Chikkaballapur, 32 Kms from Bengaluru Airport and 54 Kms from Bengaluru. The Temple is situated on Bengaluru to Chikkaballapur Route. Nandi Hills is well connected to Bengaluru by buses and trains.

Location | Photos

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi – The Temple Complex

The temple complex has two large shrines namely Arunachaleswara shrine & Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine and a minor shrine namely Uma Maheshwara Shrine. There is another shrine situated on hill top dedicated to Yoga Nandeeshwara. The Temple was surrounded by compound walls on all sides. The Temple measures about 112.8 m x 76.2 m with two entrances. The large temple complex has a vast open area in front of entrance. There is a second compound with a navaranga mantapa (pavilion) with Yali pillars to the north of the major shrines. A Stone Umbrella in the temple premises is one of most viewed architectural marvel.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine:

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine is situated to the north of the Temple complex. The shrine was built by the Cholas. There is a sculpture of a Chola King in this temple, believed to be of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola. This Shrine has a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (sukanasi) and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. The sanctum houses a majestic Shiva Linga and Nandi facing the sanctum.

The Bhoga Nandeeshwara form of Lord Shiva represent youth stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. As youth is the time to rejoice and enjoy life, there are many festivals held in this temple throughout the year. The Nandi Idol here is more attractive than the one in front of the Arunachaleswara Temple. Kalyana Mandapa and the Tulabhara Mandapa are new additions made to this shrine during Vijayanagara period. The wall linking the two major shrines was constructed in such a way that it is in-distinguishable from the two original shrines.

The pillars in the mandapa are carved with sculptures of Hindu pantheons, Apsaras, animals, puranic characters, sages, divine wedding of Lord Shiva & Parvathy, musician playing drums, amorous couples, lotus motifs etc. A pillared pavilion was added in between the Arunachaleswara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine during the 13^th century Vijayanagara period. The Temple premises have Chola period Tamil inscriptions on the walls.

Arunachaleswara Shrine:

Arunachaleswara Shrine is situated to the south of the Temple complex. The shrine was built by the Gangas of Talakad. This Shrine has a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (sukanasi) and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. The sanctum houses a majestic Shiva Linga and Nandi facing the sanctum. The Arunachaleswara form of Lord Shiva represent childhood stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. This Shrine has a unique form of Lord Ganesha called Simha Ganapathi or Ugra Ganapathi.

The pillars in the mandapa are carved with sculptures of Hindu pantheons, Apsaras, animals, puranic characters, sages, divine wedding of Lord Shiva & Parvathy, musician playing drums, amorous couples, lotus motifs etc. The wall linking the two major shrines was constructed in such a way that it is in-distinguishable from the two original shrines. A pillared pavilion was added in between the Arunachaleswara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine during the 13^th century Vijayanagara period.

Uma Maheshwara Shrine:

Uma Maheshwara Shrine is a smaller shrine situated between Arunachaleswara Shrine and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine. This Shrine consists of sanctum connected with a Kalyana Mandapa. The Kalyana Mandapa is supported by four ornate pillars in black stone with reliefs depicting Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati, Lord Brahma with his consort Saraswathi, Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi, the god of fire Agni with his consort Swaha Devi and decorative creepers & birds in bas-relief. The shrine was supposed to be built by the Hoysalas.

The sanctum houses Uma and Maheswara. Nandi can be found facing the shrine. The Uma Maheshwara form of Lord Shiva represent marriage stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. This Shrine has reliefs depicting this stage, Shiva's marriage to the goddess Parvati. Hence, this shrine is popular with newlyweds who come to seek blessing. The minor shrine has a procession of deities and sages in wall relief.

Yoga Nandeeshwara Shrine:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/yoga-nandeeshwara-temple-nandi-hills-karnataka.html

Devi Shrines:

The outer prakaram houses two minor shrines for Devi namely Girija Ambal, the consort of Bhoga Nandeeshwara and Abitha Kujalambal, the consort of Arunachaleswara. These shrines are situated on the western side of the main shrines.

Shringi Theertha:

There is a large stepped temple tank, known as Sringeri Teertha or Shringi Theertha, can be found in the temple premises. As per local folklore, this pond was created by Nandi plunging his horn into the ground to draw out water from the divine Ganga. It is situated on northern side of the main shrine. The tank was constructed during the Vijayanagara period by Krishna Deva Raya. The pond is surrounded on all four sides by walkway and a running mantapa. The pond has steps leading down to it on all four sides. This pond is considered to be the source of the South Pinakini (South Pennar) River.

Stone Chariot Wheels:

There are eight stone wheels of temple chariot can be found lying in the outer prakaram near the entrance. These wheels are beautifully carved and painted colorful.

Mahanavami Dibba:

Mahanavami Dibba can be found in the outer prakaram. It looks like a small hill like structure with stone pillars.

Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi Hills, Karnataka

Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nandi village, at the top of Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka state, India. This Temple represents the final renunciation stage in the life of Shiva and hence this temple is devoid of any festivities. The temple is believed to be built by Cholas. Nandi Hills is also called as Anandagiri during ancient times.

Legends

As per legend, Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, performed penance here. Hence, the Lord came to be called as Yoga Nandeeshwara.

The Temple

This Temple is situated atop Nandi Hills. This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has four pillars and four pilasters. The sanctum houses Yoga Nandeeshwara. The sanctum is guarded by artistic dvarapalas. Dvarapalas are flanked by Lord Ganesha and Rishabaruda. The pillars in the temple are carved with rich sculptures. There are shrines for Subramanya Swamy, Vinayaga, Parvathy and Nagas in the temple premises. There are various Chola era idols present in the temple premises. There is a pond in the temple premises, which harvests rain water and was the main source of water at the hilltop.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Nandi Bus Stop, 19 Kms from Nandi Halt Railway Station, 24 Kms from Chikkaballapur Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chikkaballapur, 39 Kms from Bengaluru Airport and 62 Kms from Bengaluru. The Temple is situated on Bengaluru to Chikkaballapur Route. Nandi Hills is well connected to Bengaluru by buses and trains.

Location | Photos

Arakeshvara Temple, Hole Alur, Karnataka

Arakeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hole Alur village near Chamarajanagar Town in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka state, India. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed by King Butuga II of Western Ganga Dynasty around 949 A.D to celebrate his victory over the Cholas of Thanjavur in the historically important battle of Thakkolam. The battle is considered as the climax of the confrontation between the two imperials powers, the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas, for mastery of south India. It was a military engagement between crown prince Rajaditya, son of the Chola King Parantaka I, and King Butuga II, a powerful vassal of the Rashtrakuta emperor Krishna III. During the battle, Rajaditya was struck while seated atop his war elephant by an arrow from prince Butuga. The Chola prince died instantly. The Chola army was subsequently defeated and retreated in disorder.

The temple was extensively renovated by Cholas when the region came under Chola control during Rajaraja Chola I. It was under Chola dominion till Kulotunga Chola I period. Tamil inscriptions can be seen on the adhistana of the temple. Alur is also called as Southern Ayyavole (Aihole) in the inscriptions. Most of the inscriptions in the temple talks about the gifts, grants, donations and renovation activities carried out to the temple. The temple also received patronage from Hoysalas. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/arakeshvara-temple-hole-alur-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kagalvadi, 9 Kms from Chamarajanagar, 9 Kms from Chamarajanagar Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Chamarajanagar Railway Station, 12 Kms from Yelandur, 60 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 68 Kms from Mysuru and 170 Kms from Bengaluru. The Temple is situated on Chamarajanagar to Yelandur route via Kannegala.

Location | Photos

Arakeshvara Temple, Hole Alur – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance gate. The temple is enclosed within the compound wall. Nandi, housed in a four pillared mandapa, can be seen facing the sanctum. These pillars were in round shape with bas reliefs depicting the battle scenes, various deities, mythical characters, demi gods and scenes from Hindu epics. The base on which the temple is raised (called adhisthana) is a simple set of moldings. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapa and Navaranga.

The entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum is decorated with dancing celestial maiden (apsaras) within volutes of scrolls (creeper leaf) which extend over the door jamb and lintel. There are two tall rectangular vertical slabs reaching up to the lintel on either side of the entrance of Sanctum Sanctorum. These Slabs are divided into four panels with relief friezes depicting male drummers (called Dola Nritya).

The top panel has rustic male dancers who appear to dance to a musicians ensemble who play the drum, violin, rudra veena, flute and the kanjira. The pillars of Navaranga also has the same reliefs as found in the pillars of Nandi Mandapa. These pillars are also round in shape. The ceiling of the Navaranga has the panel of Ashtadikpalakas (the guardians of eight directions) with their respective vahanas with Nataraja at its center.

Idols of Saptamatrikas can be seen in the Navaranga. Sculptures of Mahishasuramardhini, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Saptamatrikas and few other sculptures dating back to the 10^thCentury Ganga period can be found in the Navaranga. Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Arakeshvara and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

There is no Vimana over the sanctum. Sculptures of Mahishasura Mardini, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Parvathy, Vinayagas, Hero Stones, Sati Stones, Ravaleeswara, Dakshinamurthy, Naga Idols, headless idol, Hayagriva, architectural fragments and inscriptional slab can be found in the outer prakaram. These sculptures might have brought from the surrounding area.

Anjanadri Hill, Anegondi, Karnataka

Anjanadri Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, is located in the center of Anegondi Village near Hampi, a historical town, in Koppal district in Karnataka, India. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman on top of the hill. It is a sacred pilgrimage center for the Hindus.

Legends

Anjanadri Hill (Anjana Parvat) is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman).

The Temple

Anjanadri Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, is located in the center of Anegondi area. There are about 600 steps to reach the summit of the hill. Enough resting areas in the form stone chairs are available throughout the climb. Monkeys can be found throughout the climb and in the temple areas. The Hanuman Temple at the summit is also known as the monkey temple. It is a sacred pilgrimage center for the Hindus.

The temple is a white-washed structure. The sanctum houses an image of Hanuman carved on a rock. The roof has a pyramid structure with a small red dome crowned by a Kalasha. There is a sub shrine for Lord Rama with his wife Sita inside the temple. The summit offers a panoramic view of the valleys, mountains, paddy fields, coconut plantations and the Tungabhadra River flowing below. It also offers one of the best views of the sunset.

Connectivity

Anjanadri Hill is located at about 5 Kms from Hampi, 6 Kms from Hampi Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Gangavathi, 18 Kms from Hosapete Junction Railway Station, 165 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 354 Kms from Bengaluru. The place can be reached from Hampi by crossing the Tungabhadra river by the coracle. The main crossing points are at the Virupapur Gadde (near Virupaksha Temple), Kodandarama temple (coracle ferry + 2 Kms walk / bicycle ride) or near the Vitthala Temple (coracle ferry + 5 Kms ride by bicycle). After crossing the river at Virupapur Gadde, walk towards Anegondi village through main road. The hill is situated on the left side. It would take at least 45 minutes to climb up.

Location | Photos

Pranayamesvara Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Pranayamesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. The temple is located at about 100 meters from Viraja temple. Pranayamesvara is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Lingas of Viraja Kshetra.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 8^th century CE by Bhaumakara Kings. This temple is currently under the control of locals of Devidwar.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. It consists of a square vimana that stands over a low pista. The temple exists up to its bada portion. The temple is triratha on plan and has plain bada in elevation. The sanctum houses Pranayamesvara in Linga form within a circular yonipitha. An image of two armed Surya can be seen in the rear wall of the vimana. Idols of Ganesha, Surya, defaced female deity, number of Nandis and a large number of architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Jajpur Bus Stand, 32 Kms from Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station, 78 Kms from Cuttack, 100 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 103 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. Jajpur is well connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Regular Buses are available from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar to Jajpur Town.

Location

Taresvar Temple, Ganeswarpur, Odisha

Taresvar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ganeswarpur Village in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Birupa. This temple is located close to the famous Pancha Pandava temple of Ganeswarpur.

History

It is believed that this temple was built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The temple is in highly dilapidated condition. The bada portion is only in existence, vegetation grown all over the temple. The Vimana is square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular. A modern RCC roof is provided over the ruined vimana. The Sanctum houses Patalphuta Shivalinga within a circular yonipitha.

The Linga is submerged under water. Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya are the Parsvadevta deities, housed in the niches around the exterior walls. Nandi can be seen facing the sanctum. Idols of Varaha, Astikajaratkaru, Shivalinga with Saktipitha, ten armed headless Mahisasuramardini Durga and Gajalaxmi can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Bada Usha are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Chatia, 5 Kms from Chatia Bus Stop, 10 Kms from Jhadeshwar Road Railway Station, 27 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Cuttack Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Cuttack, 52 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 56 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is situated on Bhubaneshwar to Balasore Route (NH 5). Devotees need to take a right turn before Chatia and travel for another 4 Kms to reach this temple.

Location

Bhrukutesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Bhrukutesvar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The temple is located on the right side of the Badheibank chowk, on the road leading from Lingaraja temple to Yamesvara temple.

History

Locals believe that the temple was built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis but the temple can be dated to Ganga period (13^th century CE) based on architectural style.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north. It is a single structure pidha Deul without any frontal porch. The temple is square on plan and triangabada in elevation. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. Idols of Uma Maheshwara and Lakulisa can be seen on the temple premises.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/bhrukutesvara-temple-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location

Bhrukutesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 650 meters from Lingaraj Temple, 1 Km from Poonama Flyover Bus Stop, 1.5 Km from Garage Square Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Lingaraj Temple Road Railway Station, 3 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 5 Kms from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 8 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, 30 Kms from Cuttack and 54 Kms from Puri.

The temple is located on the right side of the Badheibank chowk, on the road leading from Lingaraja temple to Yamesvara temple. The temple is located at about 40 meters west of Talesvara temple across the compound wall, 30 meters north-west of Yamesvara temple and 20 meters east of Bakresvara temple. Bhubaneswar is well connected to rest of India by Train, Air and Land.

By Road:

Bhubaneswar is connected to the rest of Odisha and India by National Highway-NH 16, NH 203, State Highway 13 (Odisha) and State Highway 27 (Odisha). Asian Highway – AH 45 passes through the city. Baramunda Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is the major bus terminus in the city from where buses ply to all the districts in Odisha as well as to neighbouring state's cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Raipur and Ranchi. City bus service (Mo Bus) runs across Bhubaneswar by Capital Region Urban Transport Authority run by Bhubaneswar Development Authority.

Nowadays popular online cab or auto transport system provided by Jugnoo, Ola, uber are widely used. Auto rickshaws are available for hire and on a share basis throughout the city. In parts of the city, cycle rickshaws offer short trips. Also, CRUT recently has launched Mo Cycle, a public bicycle Sharing platform to curb traffic, reducing pollution in city and providing last mile connectivity in city.

By Train:

Bhubaneswar railway station is one of the main stations of the Indian railway network. It is connected to major cities by daily express and passenger trains and daily service to all metro cities is available from here.

By Air:

Biju Patnaik International Airport, also known as Bhubaneswar Airport, located to the south of the city Centre, is the major and sole international airport in Odisha. There are daily domestic flights from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bangalore. There are international flights from Bhubaneswar to Bangkok, Dubai and Kualalumpur thrice a week.

Bhairangesvara Temple, Khatupada, Odisha

Bhairangesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khatupada village, on the southeastern outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Khurda District in Odisha, India. The temple stands on the foothills of Dhauli, near the left bank of the river Daya.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 12^th century CE by Somavamsis. This temple is currently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple was originally built in form of a Panchayatana complex, which features a main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the temple. But the subsidiary shrines are completely lost. However, the traces of ruins of two shrines can be seen on the southeastern and the northeastern corners. The temple has been built on a raised platform. The temple consists of Rekha Vimana, Antrala and Pidha Jagamohana.

The temple is Pancharatha on plan & Panchangabada in elevation. There is a chandrasila between the doorjamb on the floor, which is decorated with beautiful conches on both the sides. There are two dvarapala niches on either side at the base of the doorjamb. The architrave above the doorjamb is carved with the Navagrahas seated in Padmasana within a niche. Presiding Deity is called as Bhairangesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam within circular yonipitha.

The exterior walls are devoid of any decoration, except the udyotasimha in the raha pagas on three sides & gajakranta on the western wall. Idols of Ganesha and Mahisasuramardini can be seen in the niches around the Vimana. The niche in the south is empty. An image of Hanuman, a female deity, a deulacharini, fragment of an amalaka, six pillar fragments and a couple seated beneath a tree can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima, Raja Sankranti and Jalasaya ceremony are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Dhauli, 14 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport, 14 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station, 17 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 28 Kms from Bhubaneshwar New Railway Station. The temple is situated on Bhubaneshwar to Puri Route close to Central Institute Of Freshwater Aquaculture.

Location

Bhargavesvara Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Bhargavesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. The temple is located outside the northern corner of Viraja temple compound wall and in front of Viraja panthasala.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 15^th century CE by Gajapatis. This temple is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Orissa.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is in dilapidated condition and has a single pidha vimana which is buried up to its bada portion. The temple is triratha on plan. The sanctum houses Bhargavesvara in Linga form within a square yonipitha. An idol of four armed Lakshmi can be seen on the rear wall of the vimana.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

Location

Angesvara Temple, Nua Pitapada, Odisha

Angesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nua Pitapada Village in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Prachi.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. This temple is currently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. It consists of Rekha Deul and Jagamohana. Both are square on plan and stands over raised platform. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. Presiding Deity is called as Angesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Patalphuta Shivalinga within a square yonipitha.

The exterior walls of the vimana are decorated with Khakaramundis & pidhamundis in the talajangha and uparajangha respectively and udyota Simha on each raha projections. Sculptures of four armed Vishnu, Uma Mahesvara, Chamunda, Garuda, female carrying a child, Bhooda Ganas, Astikajaratkaru, lotus medallion, udyota Simha and Navagraha lintel can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Badausha are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Bhodar, 45 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport, 49 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Bhubaneshwar, 54 Kms from Bhubaneswar New Junction Railway Station and 61 Kms from Cuttack. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Prachi, located at about 3.5 kms southeast of Panimal chowk on the left side of SH 60.

Location

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple, Sambalpur, Odisha

Anantasaayi Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Sambalpur City in Sambalpur District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi.

History

The temple was built by the Balarama Deva (1575 – 1595 AD), founder of Chauhan Dynasty of Sambalpur. It is said that the idol of Anantasayi Vishnu was brought by the princess Surguja along with her as dowry after her marriage with Balarama Deva. Later, Balarama Deva built this temple in honour of the deity. The temple is now under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. Garuda stambha can be seen immediately after the entrance arch. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of a square vimana and a pillared Mandapa. The Mandapa is open to all sides. Both the Mandapa and Vimana stands on a raised platform. The Vimana follows Rekha Deula style architecture. Idols of Trivikrama, Varaha, Narasimha, four-armed Mahisasuramardini Durga, Kartikeya and Govardhanadhari Krishna can be seen in the niches around the Vimana.

The Sanctum houses an idol of four armed Anantasayana Vishnu, reclining on the coil of the seven hooded Ananta. He rests on the right side keeping his head on the right hand. The other three hands hold chakra, Sankha and an ornamented gada. His head is canopied by the hood of the snake. Brahma is seen emerging from his navel. Goddess Lakshmi is found massaging the left foot of the lord.

Festivals

Ananta Chaturdashi, Dola Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Sambalpur Junction Railway Station, 5 Kms from Sambalpur Bus Stand, 63 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 276 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 280 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi on the left side of the road leading from Kunjelpada to Bada Bazar.

Location

Ambikei Temple, Ganeswarpur, Odisha

Ambikei Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Ganeswarpur Village in Cuttack District in Odisha, India. The temple is located on the eastern slope of a hillock named as Jalakua. It is situated on the left bank of the river Birupa on the northern outskirt of Ganeswarpur. This temple is located close to the famous Pancha Pandava temple of Ganeswarpur.

History

It is believed that this temple was built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. The present temple is renovated by the local people in 19^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards south. The temple is a single pidha vimana and square on plan. It is a living temple. The sanctum houses a two armed female deity.

Connectivity

Location

Sharvani Devi Temple, Advalpale, Goa

Sharvani Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located in Advalpale Village located near the town of Bicholim in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. The Temple is located in a place called Salgaonwada (Salegaonwada), part of Advalpale Village. The deity is the patron deity of Salgaonkar, Prabhus, Naiks, Shenais (Shenoys), Dhonds and Petkars.

History

The Temple was originally known to have been situated in Saligao. At the end of the 16^th century, it was shifted to Ajgaon and during the Portuguese rule it was shifted to Advalpale.

The Temple

Presiding Deities of this Temple are Sharvani Devi and Vetoba (Vetal). Vetoba is worshipped in the form of Shiva (Siva). The Vetoba shrine houses a life size stone image of Vetal. There are shrines for Jagrut Swayambhu, and Mahadeva in the Temple premises.

Festivals

Vardharpan day, Divja Jatra day and the annual Jatra day in November / December are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Advalpale Bus Stop, 3.5 Kms from Assonora Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Thivim Railway Station, 12 Kms from Bicholim, 15 Kms from Mapusa, 28 Kms from Panjim and 52 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Mapusa to Bicholim Route. Pilgrims to take left at the Assonora) Junction and travel up the hilly road to reach this temple.

Location

Shanta Durga Kalangutkarin Temple, Nanora, Goa

Shanta Durga Kalangutkarin Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located in Nanora Village located near the town of Bicholim in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. The Temple is situated on the banks of Nanora River.

Legends

Settling the fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu:

As per local folklore, once there was a battle between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The battle was so fierce that Lord Brahma prayed to Parvati to intervene, which she did in the form of Shanta Durga. Shanta Durga placed Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left hand and settled the fight.

Shanta Durga:

It is believed that after killing the demons, the deity's anger was calmed. Hence, she is worshipped in the Shanta Soumya form of Durga at this Temple.

Rudaya Mohini:

She is then said have gone to Calangute, a village in Bardez Taluka, to help the people in education, prosperity, good health, beauty. As a reward, she was given the name of Rudaya Mohini. She is referred to as the Goddess of Beauty, Wealth, and Prosperity.

History

The original temple was located in Calangute near Mapusa City in Bardez Taluka. The temple was shifted to Nanora in Bicholim Taluka in the 17^th century, due to forceful conversion of Hindus by Portuguese invaders. Most of the temples were shifted during that time. Nanora is situated between city Assonora and Mulgaon in South. The modern temple was constructed in the 17^th century. It was repaired in the 1990s when the temple was made into a marble masterpiece.

The Temple

The temple is dedicated to Shanta Durga, the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called Santeri colloquially. The presiding deity is Shanta Durga is also worshiped in the form of Vishweshwari. She is shown as holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has a Dipa Stambha and Agrasalas (guest houses).

Festivals

The main festival of the temple is called as Shishirotsav (popularly known as Shigmo). It is a 10-day celebration and includes procession of deities in different Vahanas with other rituals like Kalotsav, Homa, Dhwajarohana, Gulalotsava, Rathotsava, etc. Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Akshaya Tritiya and Shravani Somvar Dasara are the other festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Nanora Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Assonora Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Mulgao, 8 Kms from Thivim Railway Station, 11 Kms from Bicholim, 16 Kms from Mapusa, 29 Kms from Panjim and 53 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Assonora to Dodamarg Route.

Location

Shanta Durga Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located at the foothill of Kavalem Village located near Ponda City in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is a private temple complex belonging to Goud Saraswat Brahmin community. This temple is considered as one of the most important and biggest temple in Goa. The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

Festivals

Ramanavami & Vasantha Pooja in Chaitra month, Akshaya Tritiya Palakhi Utsav in Vaisakh month, Shri Lakshminarayan Pratishtostav in Jyestha month, Nag Panchami in Shravan month, Muktabharani Vratostav & Anant Vratostav in Bhadrapad month, Navratri, Dasara, Kojagiri Palaki Utsav & Deepavali Utsav Palakhi in Ashwin month, Tulsi Pooja (Vivah), Aavali Bhojan & Navkaron Utsav in Kartik month, Palakhi Utsav & Aavali Bhojan in Margarishi month, Jatroustav, Khand Rath, Palakhi Utsav, Sarvajanik Maharoudra, Nitya Pooja & Mahashivaratri Rathoustav in Magh month and Shri Patt Pratishoutsav, Palakhi Utsav & Pournima Shimgo utsav in Phalgun month are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Ponda Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Madgaon Junction Railway Station, 22 Kms from Verna Railway Station, 31 Kms from Panjim and 34 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated very close to Kavlem Bus Stop. It is well connected to Ponda City in North Goa district.

Location

Shanta Durga Temple, Kavalem – The Temple

The temple complex is situated on the slope of the foothills of western Ghats, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a main temple and three smaller temples of other deities which have been built on three sides of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome. The pillars and floors are made of Kashmir stone. The temple has a huge tank, a Deepa Stambha and Agrashalas (guest houses).

The majestic Deepastambam (lamp tower) is a significant structure in this Temple. It is of six tiers. There is a Nagarkhana at the entrance of the temple. The Sabha Mandapam of the temple has massive and thick pillars with marble flooring. The Antarala (vestibule) has a beautifully carved silver gateway with beautiful grape motifs. The Ghumti crowned by a golden Kalash atop the dome is unique and the highest in Goa.

Presiding Deity is called as Shanta Durga / Santeri. She is housed in the sanctum. Shanta Durga is holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The idol is made of Pancha Datu. There is a six-inch Shiva Linga found in the sanctum. The highlight of the temple is its golden palanquin (Palakhi) in which the deity is carried on festive occasions.

There is a Shivalinga at this temple which is considered as belonging to the Mahajans of the surname Vorde who are the Kulavis of the temple of Shri Manguesha. There is also a shrine for Lakshmi Narayana on right side. There is a small shrine dedicated to Loma Sharma of the Saraswats at the entrance of the Temple. There is a Temple tank in the premises.

Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve, Goa

Saptakoteshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Narve Village in Bicholim Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. The temple is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area. Narve is located on the easternmost tip of picturesque island of Divar.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The temple is built based on the typical contemporary Goan architecture, having a dome affixed on an octagonal shaped Sanctum Sanctorum with only the Deepa Stambha (Lamp Tower) design being of a distinct variety. It has a small entrance hall with bells. The main five pillared hall is decorated with arches and is intricately painted with chandeliers glorifying the beauty of the ceiling while the sanctorum wall is made of plain wood. Presiding Deity is called as Saptakoteshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

The Linga itself is distinctive of a Dharalinga or Mukhalinga type and made of polished stone. There is a shrine for Kalabhairava in front of the temple towards the right side of the Deepa Sthamba and the padukas of Dattatreya carved on the stone can be seen outside of it. Two huge laterite pillar-like structures (similar to Stonehenge) buried deep can be seen a little ahead of Deepa Sthamba. There are ruins of an arched crumbling structure resembling an ancient agrashalas can be found behind the main temple.

There is a man-made tunnel like structure close to the temple. The tunnel is presently silted. There is a sacred tank known as Panchaganga Tirtha can be found near the temple. There are several caves found in the surroundings. Also, ruins of a Jain math and temple can be found near the Temple. It was probably an important Jain temple patronized by the Kadamba rulers before they accepted Saptakoteshwar as their chief deity.

Festivals

Krishna Janma Ashtami is celebrated on a grand scale in this temple. As per records, even in the 16^th century, large crowd of devotees estimated to be over thirty thousand would assemble and bathe in the sacred waters.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Saptakoteshwar Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Bicholim Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Thivim Railway Station, 20 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 20 Kms from Panjim and 41 Kms from Goa Airport. Narve can be reached from Panjim by a ferryboat from the island of Divar.

Location

Ramnathi Temple, Ramnathim, Goa

Ramnathi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Ramnathim Village, Bandora near Ponda City in Ponda Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. This temple belongs to the Goud Saraswat Brahmins (G.S.B) community (belonging to Kavale mutt & Kashi Mutt).

Legends

It is said that Lord Rama, after slaying Ravana in the battle was filled with remorse at the killing. In order to seek redemption for his act, he installed a Shiva Linga (symbol of Lord Shiva), on the shores and hence came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath. Lord Shiva came and sent Rama to Guru Gorakshnath. There are 12 Panths and one of the Panth started from Rama. This came to be known as Ramanath.

History

The original temple of Ramnathi was located in Loutolim in Salcette, Goa. The Temple was built by Gaud Saraswat Brahmins who had migrated from Rameshwar on the southern shores of India. The Idol of Ramnathi was shifted to the present site in the 16^th century to prevent its destruction by the then Portuguese authorities. Bandora was under the control of Bijapur at the time. The Ramnathi temple completed 450 years at its present location in May 2011.

The Temple

The Temple follows Panchayatana style i.e. the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. There is a five-storied Deep Stambha (lamp tower) in the courtyard with images of Hindu saints carved on its base. The Sabha mandapa of the temple has no pillars but it has a special gallery for the ladies. The sanctum door has some exceptionally beautiful scenes depicted on it in silver metal.

One scene depicts devotees worshipping a Linga and the other shows Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi sitting on his couch of a coiled snake. Presiding Deity is called as Ramnath. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The sanctum is surrounded by the shrines of Lakshmi Narayan, Siddhinath (Ganesh), Betal and Kala Bhairava. The Temple has the idols of the Goddess Shanteri (Shanta Durga) from Rivona and the Goddess Kamakshi from Loutolim.

Festivals

The annual festival or Jatra of the temple is celebrated with pomp by the devotees with the traditional Palakhi (palanquin) parading around the temple carrying the idol of the deity.

Contact

Ramnathi Temple,

Ramnathim, Ponda

Goa – 403 401

Phone: +91 832 233 5174 / 233 5281

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Ramnathim Bus Stop, 700 meters from Kavlem Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Ponda Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Verna Railway Station, 30 Kms from Panjim and 34 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Ramnathim, Bandora near to Ponda City.

Location

Nagesh Maharudra Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Bandora Village near Ponda Town in Ponda Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. Nageshi is Kuladevatha of Gauda Saraswat Brahmins. The temple has recently banned entry of foreigners into the temple citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.

Legends

Swayambhu Linga:

Once, the area had a grove of Shami trees. A cowherd noticed that a cow from his herd used to visit this place regularly and showered milk at a particular spot. The cowherd digged the place and found the Shivalinga.

Sahyadri Skanda Purana:

It is believed that the deity was brought by Parashurama along with the Saraswath brahmins who migrated south. It is mentioned in the Sahyadri Skanda Purana in the 53^rd line.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

This is a west facing temple with a beautiful tank in front. Nandi can be found at the entrance of the Temple. Minor Shrines of Poorvachari, Betal and Raval Nath can be found nearby. The mandapa (an assembly hall, generally pillared, preceding the sanctum) has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimen of intricate wood carvings which depicts stories from the Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata on one side and wooden images of Ashtadikpalakas and Gandharva on the other side.

Presiding Deity is called as Nagesh Maharudra / Nagnath. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Sanctum is crowned with a dome. There is a circumbulatory path around the sanctum. The temple complex houses a five-storeyed Deep Stambha. There are colourful images of gods and goddesses around the base of the Deepa Stambha (lamp tower). There is a bedroom with bed stead. There is a spacious square built of marble tiles opposite to the bedroom.

The idols of Lakshminarayan and Ganapati in seated position on the southern and northern side of the spacious square. There is a magnificent tali or water reservoir surrounded by palms within the temple precincts. The reservoir is built in such a way that standing at a certain location around the tali, a person can view the reflection of the idol of Lord Nagesh and the lighted lamps in the inner sanctum. The temple has Agrashalas with well-equipped rooms and also halls for weddings and other functions.

Festivals

The annual Jatra of temple is held from Chaitra from Ramanavami on words. Shivaratri is also celebrated grandly with Rathotsava on Magha Amavasya (next day). Regular Utsavas held in the temple are Palaki procession of Sri Nagesh on every Monday, Sri Laxmi Narayan on every Dashami and Sri Ganapati on every Shukla Chaturthi (Vinayaki) in the same manner except in the Chatur Mas.

Contact

Nagesh Maharudra Temple,

Bandora, Ponda Taluk,

Goa – 403401

Phone: +91 832 233 5039

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Farmagudi Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Kavalem, 4 Kms from Ponda Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Verna Railway Station, 29 Kms from Panjim and 35 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated besides the Nageshi Temple Bus Stop. The Temple is situated on Farmagudi – Kavalem – Ponda Road.

Location

Mangesh Temple, Mangeshi, Goa

Mangesh Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Mangeshi Village near Mardol Town in Ponda Taluk in the North Goa district of Goa, India. It is one of the largest, wealthiest and most frequently visited temples in Goa. Mangesh is the Kuladevatha of many Goud Saraswat Brahmins.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

The Temple

The temple complex consists of a spacious courtyard surrounded by the temple itself and rooms for weddings and pilgrims. It belongs to the typical Goan Hindu temple style of architecture. There is a Nandi idol and a beautiful seven-storied Deep Stambha (lamp tower) in the temple premises. The temple also has a water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple. The Sabha Mandapa is a spacious hall that can accommodate over 500 person.

The Sabha Mandapa includes the chandeliers of the nineteenth century. There are photos of Lord Shiva in different styles. This room also facilitates instrumental equipment to listen to Hari Katha and Keerthana after which the devotees have their first glimpse at the Lord. The central part of the Sabha Mandapa leads to the sanctum where the image of Mangesh is consecrated.

The complex has shrines and idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Gajana, Nandikeshwar, Bhagavati, Mulakeshwsar, Virabhadra, Santeri, Garuda, Kala Bhairav, Lakshminarayana, Suryanarayan and Gramapurusha Deva Sharma of the Kaudanya gotra. The Mangueshi temple has adequate parking space in the rear. There are accommodation facilities available in the Temple.

Poojas

Mangueshi Temple has a large number of pujas being performed daily. Every morning, Shodashopachar pujas, namely Abhisheka, Laghurudra and Maharudra, are performed. This is followed by Maha-Aarti at noon and Panchopchar pooja at night.

Festivals

The festivals celebrated here are Rama Navami, Akshaya Tritiya, Anant Vritotsava, Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Magha Poornima Festival (Jatrotsav) and Mahashivaratri. Magha Poornima festival begins on Magha Shukla Saptami and ends on Magha Poornima. Every Monday, the idol of Mangesh is taken out for a procession in the Palakhi accompanied by music before the evening Aarti.

Contact

Mangesh Temple,

Mangeshi, P.O. Mardol,

Goa – 403 404

Phone: +91 832 234 3338 / 234 3904

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 700 meters from Mangeshi Temple Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Mardol, 9 Kms from Ponda, 13 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 23 Kms from Panjim and 23 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated on Ponda to Panjim Route via Mardol.

Location

Mandodari Temple, Betki, Goa

Mandodari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakthi located in Betki Village near Marcel Town in Ponda Taluk in North Goa in the Indian state of Goa. Mandodari is considered as village deity of Betki Village.

Legends & History

The word Mandodari is from Mand (water) with Udar (stomach). It means someone who is born in the water. Few people confuse this temple with temple dedicated to Mandodari, wife of Ravana, demon king of Lanka. It is believed that the temple was built in honor of the children, who were sacrificed for the betterment of village and free flowing stream of water. There is no well water in Betki village so the main source of water in this area is streams. This is how the village started worshiping this deity.

The Temple

This is a small temple with sanctum and extended Mandapam. Mandodari is considered as village deity (gramadevata) of Betki Village. She is housed in the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 700 meters from Betki Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Marcel, 4.5 Kms from Marcel Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Karmali Railway Station, 16 Kms from Ponda, 24 Kms from Panjim and 36 Kms from Goa Airport. The Temple is situated close to Marcel Town in North Goa District.

Location

Mallikarjuna Temple, Canacona, Goa

Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Sristhal Village in Canacona Taluk in the South Goa district of Goa, India. The shrine is known to be one of the oldest in Goa and is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings in a valley completely surrounded by mountains. The temple is also known as Adavat Sinhasanadhishwar Mahapati Canacona among the locals.

Legends

Mallikarjun:

As per legend, a demon named Malla was fighting with one of the Pandava brothers, Arjuna. Lord Shiva assumed the form of a hunter and killed Malla to save Arjuna. Hence he came to be called as Mallikarjun.

Lord Shiva united with his consort Parvati here:

As per legend, the temple was the place where Lord Shiva united with his consort Parvati after a long period of separation.

The Linga is believed to be Swayambhu lingam, unearthed by a member of the Kunbi community while clearing the forest and it is a phallic shaped uncut stone covered with a metallic mask.

History

The temple is believed to be constructed during the middle of the 16^th century, as per the writing on a plaque near the temple dome, by ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj, descended from the royal Surve family from Prachitgad near Shringarpur of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It was refurbished in the year 1778. There are about 14 Mallikarjuna shrines spread over Goa. Two ancient shrines of Mallikarjun existed in Bardez at Assgao and Pomburpa were demolished by the Portuguese as per available records.

The Temple

The Temple is considered as one of the oldest Temples in Goa. The six pillars in the mandapa (hall) have scenes from the Puranas and Mahabharat carved on them. One of the wooden pillars in the mandapa is used as the oracle pillar in the temple. There are beautifully carved profiles of Dvarapalas (doorkeeper) on either side of the door leading to the inner sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Mallikarjuna / Adavat Sinhasa Nadhishwar Mahapati. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Linga is believed to be Swayambhu lingam.

It is a phallic shaped uncut stone covered with a metallic mask. His consort is referred to as Devati. There are about 14 Mallikarjuna shrines spread over Goa. The striking similarity in these shrines is that all idols are in phallic shape and covered with metallic masks accompanied by Trishula. These phallic shaped wooden idols are known as Nirakar(formless) by the local population. These idols probably point to the era when Natha Sampradaya was prominent in the Western Deccan region. The lingas are believed to be Swaymbhu lingas.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

Priests

The daily worship is performed by Brahmin priest only for a certain designated period and during the rest of the period, the Kunbi priests namely Velip and Zalmi perform the daily worship. The ritual of hunting is associated with some of the Mallikarjuna shrines.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Canacona IDC Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Canacona Bus Station, 5 Kms from Chaudi, 6 Kms from Canacona Railway Station, 67 Kms from Goa Airport and 74 Kms from Panjim. The Temple is situated close to NH 66 near Chaudi.

Monday, November 18, 2024

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