Author: Bastariya

In 1045 AD, Ratandeva I constructed the Beautiful Mahamaya Temple at the site of his ethereal vision. Built in the northern Indian Nagara style, the temple is surrounded by a 46-cm thick wall. The present temple is a recent construction probably on the site of an ancient temple. The mandapa is supported on Sixteen pillars. There are two statues in the garbhagriha, one is of Mahamaya in the form of mahishasuramardini and one of Saraswati. The entire temple complex presents a spectacular sight during Navaratri, when thousands of devotees congregate here and light lamps. It is believed that Ma Mahamaya fulfills all the wishes…

Kanthideval Temple is located within the premises of Mahamaya Temple. Built in the 15th century, the temple was recently restored by the archeological survey of India The temple is octogonal in shape and is made of red stone; all its walls are decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses The important sculptures with the temple are those of Lord Shiva and an unidentified kalchuri king

Located in the heart of Chhattisgarh, Janjgir-Champa district is rich in history and tradition. The seat of power under Jajalladeva of the Kalachuri dynasty, the district is famous for its beautiful temples and its scenic landscapes. Janjgir-Champ district is also a major producer of food grains in Chhattisgarh. This unique tribal country is inhabited by extremely religious people. and all villages in the district worship their own local gods and goddesses. Thus there are numerous temples in the district that serve as major attractions for tourists. One of the most revered temples is century Kalachuri temple dedicated t in the Purani Basti…

Chhattisgarh’s most ancient town, Malhar exudes an antique charm. The mesmerizing sculptures that have been excavated here, conjure up a past that echoes the lives and times of about 2,000 years of history, tradition, trade, and folklore. This town is on the list of ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance’ maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Excavations in Malhar have revealed the remnants of a pre-Mauryan fort. The excavations show continuous inhabitation from the Bronze Age to the medieval period, based upon sculptural specimens. The period from 325 to 655 AD is considered the golden…

Tala, also known as Talagaon, is located I on the Bilaspur-Raipur highway. Situated on the banks of the river Maniari, Tala was discovered by JD Beglar, an assistant to the well -known archaeologist Alexander Cunningham. An extraordinary feature about Tala is that it continues to be a living religious site, in spite of being in ruins. The major attractions at Tala are the three temples—Deorani, Jethani and Jagmohan Temples. The striking similarity in their design and layout is fairly evident. Scattered about the site are iconic sculptures that have been excavated recently. The temples were Primarily influenced by Shaivite tradition,…

Apart from the stunning Bhoramdeo Temple this region boasts of two more Shiva temples, the Mandwa Mahal and the Chheraki Mahal. Though not as magnificent as the Bhoramdeo Temple, they are nevertheless worth a visit. Half a kilometre from the Bhoramdeo Temple towards Kawardha, is Mandwa Mahal. Set in a fenced courtyard, with trees and green lawns, it makes for a pleasant sight. Entering through the small gate of the compound, a paved path leads to the temple. Built entirely of stone, Mandwa Mahal is known for its many erotic sculptures carved on its outer walls. Epigraphic evidence dates the…

About half a kilometre from Mandwa Mahal is a smaller brick temple, also dedicated to Shiva, popularly known as Chheraki Mahal. Standing amidst sunny green fields, with the river Sankari flowing close by, it makes for a nice walk from Mandwa Mahal. Built during the Mani Nagavanshi period, the original name of this east-facing temple remains a mystery. Built on a raised platform, Chheraki Mahal stands within a newly-fenced compound. Like in Bhoramdeo Temple and Mandwa Mahal, loose sculptures found around the temple have been installed along the fence. It is worth noting that while the temple is plastered with…

Dongargarh, located in the Rajnandgaon district, is a major religious centre, being one of the three shaktipeeths in Chhattisgarh. Perched atop a hill at a height of about 550 m and reached by climbing over a thousand steps is Bamleshwari Temple which is believed to be over 2,200 years old. It is one of the 51 shaktipeeths of Goddess Parvati. Thousands of pilgrims congregate on the occasion of Navratri when a fair is organised here.

The stunning 10th-century  Bhoramdeo Temple is 130km from the state capital, Raipur, Untouched and pristine, the setting of the temple is spectacular. Bhoramdeo Temple is nestled in scenic surroundings, barely kilometre from the Bhoramdeo wildlife sanctuary. It stands in the serene shade os sai and beeja trees, with the rolling maikal hills forming a stunning backdrop. Located away from the regular tourist destinations, the temple has managed to retain its ethereal charm. This relatively unknown gem of Indian art, is a sculptural marvel with exquisite carvings of deities and human figures. This Shiva temple is the cynosure of all eyes, especially during the annual state-organised…

In the center of the village, a horde of copper plates of Mahashivagupta Balarjuna was recovered from a mound. The villagers had previously built a temple atop the mound and had called it Surag Tila. The excavation of the mound revealed a plan of a panchayatana Shiva temple complex. The plan consists of two large temples surrounded by four smaller ones on four corners and a priest’s house to the southwest of the main temple. The two main temples in the center and three sub shrines in the northeast, southeast and northeast sides were unearthed. It is believed that the temple complex was built in…

Located at some distance from the main village of Sirpur and the other archaeological finds, the vihara at  AnandPrabhu Kutir is worth mentioning. The complex had two viharas laid side by side. The seated image pf Budha in one of the viharas is still extant. The ruins give the visitor a good idea regarding the life of the resident monks and their way of instruction. At about 500 m from the Lakshman Temple is another smaller brick temple, the Ram Temple, Which according to Dr. Shivakant Bajpai, is one of the exemplary works of the stellate (star-shaped) temples of Dakshin Koshala. Of special interest…

Gandheshewar Temple remarked for its architecture is situated on the banks of the Manabadi.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. Images of the Buddha in bhumisparsa nudes. Uma Mahesvara and Gangadhara Shiva found outside the temple along with Statue Of Vishnu on Garuda and Vamana, chiselled in granite, deserve mention. The decorated masonry door is contemporary to the Lakshman Temple. The door jambs contain conventional Motifs in the form of foliage, Kalpalata and lotus flowers. The mandapa of the temple has eight…