Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Pisanahi Temple, Birshibpur, Uttar Pradesh

Pisanahi Temple is an ancient Hindu Temple located in Birshibpur Village in Ghatampur Tehsil in Kanpur Nagar District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is also called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. This temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, two sisters involved in the work of manual milling of flour built this temple in 15^th century CE. Hence, the temple came to be called as Pisanhari Budhiya ke Mandir. It is interesting to note that one can hear the sound of one pounding wheat using a hand mill in this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple follows nagara style architecture. The temple consists of sanctum and antrala. The original shikara had been lost completely and was replaced with new one. The temple had been renovated recently with modern bricks. However, the ancient brick works can be seen on the façade and carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs & geometrical patterns can be seen on the walls. The remains of the original brick work can be found scattered in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Ghatampur, 1.5 Kms from Ghatampur Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Ghatampur Railway Station, 22 Kms from Hamirpur, 40 Kms from Kanpur and 114 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Ghatampur to Hamirpur route.

Location

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Rahiliya Village near Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the western end of the Rahiliya Sagar. This temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara style of architecture and predates the famous Konark temple in Odisha. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by King Rahila (885 – 905 CE) of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9th and the 13th centuries. This temple is considered to be the inspiration behind the design of the Konark Sun temple. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the found of Mamluk dynasty in 1203 CE. The Rahila Sagar, a man-made lake, was also excavated by King Rahila.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall sandstone image of Surya. It also enshrines a smaller idol of Vishnu. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The exterior is decorated with Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

There is a shrine for goddess Kali in the temple premises. Idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Shiva can be seen in the temple premises. There is a huge temple tank called Suraj Kund situated beside the temple. The tank is square in shape and measures 15 metres in length, 15 metres in breadth and 15 metres in depth. It is said that the king used to bathe in this tank every day before entering the temple. 

Festivals

An annual fair is held on embankment of Rahiliya Sagar on the Karthik Purnima. People used to take bath in Rahiliya Sagar and Suraj Kund during this fair.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Srinagar, 48 Kms from Chhatarpur, 73 Kms from Khajuraho and 76 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated on Mahoba to Chhatarpur route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ramnagar Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The temple suffered destruction of the Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consisted of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. The sanctum, antrala and entrance porch are completely destroyed except the sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet wall on all sides except its eastern entrance. The basement of the sanctum can be seen. The walls and the shikara are completely lost. The damaged lintel and the door jambs are kept near the entrance of the sanctum. The exterior of the temple is decorated with carvings of Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Raipura, 15 Kms from Mau, 22 Kms from Rajapur, 30 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 44 Kms from Chitrakoot, 71 Kms from Prayagraj and 89 Kms from Prayagraj. The temple is situated on Mau to Chitrakoot route.

Location

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples, Rawatpura, Uttar Pradesh

Rawatpura Group of Temples are group of two Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rawatpura Village in Kulpahar Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temples are situated on the bank of Rawatpura Lake. The temples are one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temples were believed to be built by the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9^th and the 13^th centuries. The Rawatpura Lake is also said to have been excavated by them.

The Group of Temples

The group of temples contains several ruins of Chandela era. Only, two temples from this group are considered major temples. The larger and the best preserved temple is situated on the embankment of the Rawatpura lake. The smaller temple is situated at about 300 metres from the larger temple. The mandapa of the smaller temples remains intact. The sanctum is completely lost. The ruins of this temple are scattered all around the place. Both the temples are built over a raised platform and are in ruins.

Connectivity

The group of temples is located at about 10 Kms from Kulpahar, 10 Kms from Kulpahar Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Kulpahar Railway Station, 32Kms from Panwari, 34 Kms from Mahoba, 45 Kms from Nowgong, 56 Kms from Chhatarpur, 90 Kms from Khajuraho and 93 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms to the south east of Kulpahar on Mahoba to Panwari route.

Location

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra – Legends

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra – Legends

Ashram of Sage Durvasa:

As per legend, Sage Durvasa had an ashram at this place on the banks of Yamuna river and the palace of King Ambarisha was located on the other bank of the river. Ambarisha was an Ikshvaku king and the son of Mandhata. He is believed to have conquered the whole world in a week. He lived during the Treta Yuga. He was a great devotee of Vishnu and adhered firmly to the truth.

Being pleased with his devotion, Vishnu had given his Sudarshana Chakra to Ambarisha, who worshiped the deity's weapon with great devotion. Once, during Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Ambarisha performed the Dvadashi Vrata at his palace, which required that the king must start a fast on Ekadashi and break it at the start of Dwadasi (the twelfth day) and feed all his people.

As the moment of breaking the fast was drawing near, the sage Durvasa arrived and was received with all honours by Ambarisha. Durvasa agreed to the king's request to be his honoured guest and asked the king to wait until he finished his bath in the Yamuna river and returned. As the auspicious moment approached when the king had to break his fast to fulfill the vow of the vrata, Durvasa did not turn up.

On the advice of his priests, the king broke his fast by taking a little water and waited for the arrival of sage Durvasa to offer him food. Durvasa, who was well known for his short temper, felt that Ambarisha had violated the respect due to a guest by breaking his fast before the guest had taken his meal, and in his rage created an asura to kill Ambarisha, out of a strand of his hair.

As Ambarisha was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, the Sudarshana Chakra intervened, destroyed the asura, and started chasing Durvasa himself. Durvasa went to Brahma and Shiva for protection. Both pleaded their inability to save him. He went to Vishnu himself, who said that he could do nothing as he was bound by the faultless devotion of Ambarisha and suggested to the sage to seek the pardon of the king.

Durvasa went to Ambarisha, who prayed to Vishnu to recall his discus, and saved Durvasa. Thus, Durvasa's life was spared. Later, the ashram of Durvasa was lost completely. The ashram was rebuilt by Tridandi Swami Shrimad Bhakti Vedanta Goswami. Presently, Sant Ras Bihari Das is looking after the ashram.

Lord Shiva visit to this place daily for Banasura’s mother:

As per legend, this place served as the capital of the demon king Banasur during the Mahabharata period. The mother of Banasur was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and used to visit Mount Kailash every day to worship Lord Shiva. When she became old, she was not able to visit Kailash. She felt bad about her inability to worship Lord Shiva. Seeing the plight of her mother, Banasur performed intense penance on Lord Shiva and made Lord Shiva himself to come to this place and provide darshan to his mother.

Lord Rama stay at this place:

As per legend, Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman stayed here for night during his journey to Chitrakoot. During his stay, he installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord here. He also got the blessings of the sages here.

Rishiyan Ashram:

As per legend, 84 thousand sages performed penance at this place. Hence, the place came to be called as Rishiyan Ashram.

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram, Barha Kotra, Uttar Pradesh

Rishiyan Ashram is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in Barha Kotra Village in Mau Tehsil in Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This pilgrimage site consists of caves and ancient Hindu temples situated amidst forest in hilly terrain. This site is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/rishiyan-ashram-barha-kotra-legends.html

The Caves & Temples

Rishiyan Ashram has two caves. Four Shiva Lingas seated on a single yonipitha can be seen in the first cave. The second cave has arrangements for rest. The place has remains of three 10^th century CE temples. One of the temple is called as Bhar Deul. One of the temple is situated near the caves. A stream can be seen flowing near the caves. The stream forms a lake downhill which is situated on the way to the core area of Rishiyan Ashram. Sugaria Pathri is one of several hillocks situated around this place. Rock paintings made by the hunter gatherers can be seen in this hillock.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 16 Kms from Mau, 18 Kms from Bargarh Railway Station, 22 Kms from Shankargarh, 43 Kms from Prayagraj Airport, 65 Kms from Prayagraj and 73 Kms from Chitrakoot. The temple is situated at about 16 Kms to the east of Mau on Chitrakoot to Prayagraj route via Shankargarh.

Location

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples, Sarahan Buzurg, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Brick Temples are group of Hindu Temples dedicated to goddess Sakthi located in Sarahan Buzurg Village in Bindki Tehsil in Fatehpur District in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Guptas and later extensively renovated by the Pratiharas.

The Temple

The temple complex consists of two ancient brick temples. Both the temples stand over a low raised platform. Both the temples follow same architectural style and plan. However, the temple dedicated to Behrai Mata has been modified extensively. This temple now includes a maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The exterior are decorated with repetitive architectural patterns, niches, and carvings of various Hindu deities. The niches are empty currently.

The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. The other temple is square on plan. It enshrines the images of Maheswara and Goddess Parvati in its sanctum. The exterior is decorated with repetitive motifs and patterns. This shrine is also crowned with nagara style shikara. The brick mouldings in the lower part of both the shrines have been damaged. A Hanuman shrine can be seen on the right side of the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Amauli, 15 Kms from Hamirpur Road Railway Station, 15 Kms from Jahanabad, 20 Kms from Hamirpur, 24 Kms from Ghatampur, 33 Kms from Bindki, 56 Kms from Fatehpur, 57 Kms from Kanpur and 130 Kms from Lucknow Airport. The temple is situated on Jahanabad to Hamirpur route via Amauli.

Location

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple, Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh

Shiva Tandav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the foothills of Gokhar Mountain. This temple is situated close to Mahoba Collectorate Office. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple houses a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva in thandava posture. It is carved one a granite boulder. There is a waterfall situated next to this temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 51 Kms from Chhatarpur, 58 Kms from Banda, 76 Kms from Khajuraho and 79 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. Mahoba is situated on Banda to Khajuraho route.

Location

Sun Temple, Nandeshma, Rajasthan

Sun Temple, Nandeshma, Rajasthan

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Nandeshma Village in Gogunda Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is said to have been built in 13^th century CE by Maharana Jaitrasimha (1213 – 1252 CE) of Mewar Kingdom. An inscription of Maharana Jaitrasimha dating back to 1222 CE can be found on the pillar of the temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is in dilapidated state. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The doorway of the sanctum is intricately carved. An image of Ganesha can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Jaswantgarh, 13 Kms from Gogunda, 49 Kms from Kumbhalgarh, 50 Kms from Sadri, 53 Kms from Udaipur and 66 Kms from Udaipur Airport. The temple is situated at about 6 Kms to the north of Jaswantgarh on Udaipur to Sadri route.

Location

Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan

Surya Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Ranakpur Village near Sadri Town in Desuri Tehsil in Pali District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was built in 13^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim rulers. The temple was reconstructed in 15^th century. This temple is managed by the Udaipur Royal family trust, the Eklingji Trust.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands on a high raised platform. This temple follow nagara style of architecture and is built of white lime stone. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and frontal porch. The sabha mandapa is octagonal in plan. There are three ornamental balconies supported by pillars each on the southern and northern sides of the sabha mandapa. The pillars of the mandapa have intricately carved pillars with lathe turned capitals. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. He is shown as riding his chariot. The exterior of the temple is decorated with Surya seated on a chariot driven by horses, Hindu deities, celestial beings, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Sadri, 10 Kms from Sadri Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Desuri, 35 Kms from Falna Railway Station, 92 Kms from Pali, 92 Kms from Udaipur and 106 Kms from Udaipur Airport. Ranakpur is situated on Desuri to Udaipur route via Sadri.

Location