The state of Chhattisgarh is a region with tremendous historical,
religious and archaeological importance. The state has witnessed rise
and fall of many great dynasties and kingdoms. It has also seen numerous
tribal rebellions and socio-religious reform movements. The presence of
a number of archaeological sites, historical palaces, forts and some
magnificent Chhattisgarh Temples consolidates the fact. Some of the most
ancient and important temples of Chhattisgarh are:
Bambleshwari Temple
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 Chotti Bambleshwari is situatedabout 1/2 km from the main temple complex. These temples are revered by lakhs of people of Chhattisgarh and flock around the shrine during the Navratris of Kavar (during Dashera) and Chaitra (during Ram Navami).
Bhoramdeo temple
Amidst the picturesque surroundings of Maikal mountains and dense forests, the perfect blend of religious and erotic sculptures, the Bhoramdeo temple, is carved on the rocky stones in the Nagar style. The Bhoramdeo temple scenically situated amidst mountain ranges is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga in the temple is beautifully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. This temple was built in the period of 7th to 11th century A.D. The temples were built by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty and have a special attraction for lovers of history and archaeology. The Bhoramdeo temple has a resemblance with the Khajuraho temple, and that is why it is also called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. In the backdrop of natural beauty, this temple is also unique for its architecture. Cunnigham had termed it as one of the most beautifully decorated temple seen by him.
Bhoramdeo temple is situated near Kawardha (18 km from Kawardha ) in Kabirdham district. Raipur is the nearest Airport. Raipur is the nearest Railway station on the Mumbai-Howrah main line. Regular Buses ply from Raipur (116 km.), Rajnandgaon(133 km.) and Jabalpur(220 km.) to Kawardha. Taxis are available from Kawardha (18 km) to the temple site.
Champaran
Champaran (formerly known as Champajhar) in Raipur district has religious significance, as the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and the founder of the Vallabh Sect. It has a temple constructed in his honour. Near this is a temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. An annual fair is held here every year, in the month of Magh (January - February). It is also customary for followers of Saint Vallabhacharya to celebrate his birth anniversary here every year on the eleventh bright day of Baisakh (April–May). Two large well furnished dharmasalas* are available to stay in.
Chandrahasini Devi Temple
Chandrahasini Devi Temple is situated at Chandrapur, in Janjgir-Champa district, on the banks of the river Mahanadi. This is popular as both a pilgrimage place as well as a tourist spot. A big fair is organized here every year on the eve of Navaratri. Chandrapur is situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from the tehsil head quarter Dabhara. This place can be approached from Raigarh railway station also. Chandrapur is 30 km from Raigarh by road.
Damudhara (Rishab Tirth)
Damudhara (Rishab Tirth) in Janjgir-Champa district has natural waterfalls, caves, the Ram-Janaki Temple, Radha-Krishan Temple and Rishavdev Temple.
Danteshwari Temple (Dantewada)
It is located around 84 km (52 mi) from Jagdalpur city is the famous and sacred temple of Ma (Hindi for mother) Danteshwari, a local goddess, worshipped as an incarnation of Shakti. This temple is believed to possess several divine powers. Every year during Dushera thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to the goddess.
Situated in Dantewada, south-west of Jagdalpur, at the confluence of the holy rivers Shankini & Dhankini, this six hundred year old temple is one of the ancient heritage sites of India and is a representation of the religio-socio-cultural history of the Bastar region. Little is known about this shrine to much of India. The vast temple complex today is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition. With its rich architectural and sculptural wealth and its vibrant festival traditions, Danteshwari Mai temple serves as the most important spiritual center for the people of this region.
It is believed that a tooth of Sati had fallen here and Danteshwari Shakti Pith was established. According to the ancient legend, Goddess Sati committed self-immolation in the fire pit of yagna kund, due to an insult committed by her father Daksha towards her consort Lord Shiva during the Yaga. Raged by the death of Sati, Lord Shiva destroyed the Yaga of Daksha and with the body of Sati in his hands started to do 'Taandav'.Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Goddess Sati with his Sudarshan to free Lord Shiva from the grief caused by her death. Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-two different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas.
The Danteshwari temple was built in the 14th Century by the Chalukya kings in South Indian style of temple architecture. The idol of Danteshwari Mai is chiseled out of black stone. The temple is divided into four parts such as Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap. Garbha Griha and Maha Mandap were constructed with stone pieces. There is a Garud Pillar in front of the entrance of the temple. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The shikhara is adorned with sculptural finery.
Danteshwari Temple (Jagdalpur)
It is an ancient temple built by the kings of Bastar for inhabiting their family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari. Devi Danteshwari is the Goddess of entire Bastar division, equally worshipped by Hindus as well as tribals. This temple is located beside Bastar palace and near to Gole Bazar at Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It is worth seeing and pleasant to watch the temple during the famous Bustar Dushera festival season, decorated in color lights and lamps, where the main traditional functions of the festivals are being carried out.
Deorani-Jethani temple
Talagram, about 25 km from Bilaspur in Bilaspur district, is known for its "Deorani-Jethani" temple. This has a huge 7 foot high statue, that's 4 feet wide and weighs 8 tons.
Laxman Temple
Laxman Temple situated at Sirpur in Mahasamund district has one of the finest brick temples in India, this is characterized by exquisite carvings and precise construction. Shesh naag serves as an umbrella to Load Shiva on the top of the entrance, while incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Krishna leela ornamental symbols, and erotic carvings adorn the sides. The religious segments of a temple - Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgana, Aja, Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak - are engraved in the pillars of this Panchrath type temple. The inside has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (the main house). The Archaeological Survey of India has established a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths.
Mahamaya temple
An 11th century temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya, was built during the reign of Kalchuri by the king Ratnadev. There are ponds near the temple. In front of this, a temple of Kantideval of Maratha period exists. This has been renovated by the architecture department. Mahamaya temple is situated at Ratanpur in Bilaspur district.
Rajivalochan temple
Rajim in Raipur district is 30 minutes from Raipur by road, on the banks of the Mahanadi river, this was once an important urban centre. It has a fine group of temples, of which the main one (Rajivalochana Temple) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Shivarinarayan Laxminarayan Temple
This 11th century Vaishnava temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty on the banks of the river Mahanadi, at Shivarinarayan Nagar in Janjgir-Champa district. It is believed that Shabri Ashram, mentioned in the epic Ramayana, was located here. During Magh Purnima a fair is organized here.
Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth
Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth is a Jain shrine in Nagpura in Durg district, established in 1995. It is located on the banks of the river Sheonath. The campus houses temples, guest houses, a garden and Naturopathy and Yoga Centre. The entrance to the resplendent marble temple of Shri Parshwanath is through a 30 feet gate that has the idol of Parshwanath, supported by four pillars (representing the four essentials of spiritual atonement, i.e., wisdom, introspection, good conduct, penance), being worshipped by two elephants. Sacred water, amiya, oozes from the idol here. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this shrine on full-moon.
Vishnu temple
Vishnu temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty in the 12th century, but did not complete it. The temple was built in 2 phases. The temple is an incomplete temple which can be seen near Bhima Talab at Janjgir in Jangir-Champa district. From western direction of Janjgir city and about 1/2 km. distance from bus stand, near by road side in the bank of Bhima pond, the grand Vishnu temple is situated.
