Mahadeva Temple, Bastar, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple, Bastar, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Bastar in Bastar District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is also called as Cherkin Temple. The temple is situated on the eastern banks of Indravati River. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

When Kakatiya rulers migrated from Dantewada to Jagdalpur. But before coming to Jagdalpur, they stayed in Bastar, and then finally settled in Jagdalpur and made Jagdalpur, as their capital and renamed their Kingdom as Bastar State. It is believed that this temple was built during their stay in Bastar.

The Temple

The Temple was built over a two feet high platform. The Temple is situated on the banks of Kaimarai Pond. The Temple consists of Deula (Sanctum) and Mukha Mandapa. Gajalakshmi Panel can be found at the lintel of Mukha Mandapam. Dvarapalas can be found on each side of the doorjamb of Mukha Mandapam. The left jamb and lintel of the sanctum are original. The Lintel of the sanctum has a relief of Ganesha.

Besides, kiritamukuta, chaitya gavaksha dormer and Mithuna figures, there is a unique Chamunda image on the left side of the sanctum doorway. She has emaciated body (literally skeleton) with sunken belly, sunken eyes and open mouth. She sits on a corpse flanked by a jackal and an owl and decorated with a garland of skulls.

She wears garland of skull and has serpent on her head. She has eight arms and holds snake, bow, shield, sword, trident, thunderbolt and arrows. The neck of a Rakshasa is pierced in the arrow. She is in a terrifying form. The Sanctum houses Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam. Lingam is about 1.5 feet high. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.   

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 21 Kms from Jagdalpur Old Bus Stand,21 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport, 23 Kms from Jagdalpur New Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Jagdalpur Railway Station, 55 Kms from Kondagaon and 268 Kms from Raipur. The Temple is situated on Raipur to Jagdalpur Route (NH 30).

Location