Siddheshwar Temple, Palari, Chattisgarh

Siddheshwar Temple, Palari, Chattisgarh

Siddheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Palari in Baloda Bazar – Bhatapara District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This Temple is a fine example of existing brick-built temples of Chhattisgarh. The temple is situated on the banks of Bala Samund Pond. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, it is said that tribal chief along with his tribes settled in this place. The place was dense forest during his arrival. There was no pond to quench the thirst of the tribals. On seeing the condition of his people, the chief dug a huge pond extending over 120 acres. Even after digging the pond, the pond remains dry. Chief sought the advice of the elders, the elders advised him to leave his new born baby in the pond.

Next day, the pond was filled with water and even baby also reached the shores safely. Hence, the pond came to be called as Bala Samund. It is said that there is a perennial spring in this pond so that the pond never dry in any season. There is an island in the middle of the pond. It is said that while digging the pond, the sand were thrown at this spot and as a result the island was formed.

History

The temple was believed to be built in 7^th – 8^th Century AD and was lost completely. There was a dense forest around Palari Village till 1950s. Wild Animals used to roam around the place. Dau Kaliram Varma of the village went to a hunting expedition in the forest. Accidently, he found the temple in dilapidated condition, completely hidden with shrubs all over the temple.

He found the sanctum empty. The remains of the Ghat, Pond and temple structure, he understood that it was a Shiva Temple. He wished to renovate this Temple in memory of his father Mohan Lal. Brijlal Varma (former Union Minister), son of Dau Kaliram Varma renovated this temple in 1961 as per his father wish.

The Temple

This is a west facing Temple, situated on the banks of Bala Samund Pond. This Temple is a fine example of existing brick-built temples of Chhattisgarh. The Temple follows Nagara style architecture. The temple consists of an open Mandapa and sanctum. The Open Mandapa is of recent origin. The Sanctum houses a marble Shiva Lingam called Siddheshwar. The Vimana is of Pancharatha style. The Shikara had been rebuilt. River Goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, standing in tribhanga mudra can be found on the doorjamb of the temple.

Depiction of Hindu Trinity and divine marriage of Lord Shiva can be found on the lintel of the door. Carvings of Ashtathik Palakas can be found in the door jamb. There is a unique depiction of Pushpaka Vimana of Ramayana fame can be found at the entrance of the temple. The Vimana is decorated with Kirtimukha motif and figures of elephants, Ganesha and lions are shown in chaitya window. There is a Pipal tree on the left side of courtyard of the temple. A recent found idol of Siddh Baba is placed under this tree.

Festivals

A grand fair is organized in this temple on the day of Magha Purnima every year. Thousands of devotees from nearby villages take a bath in the pond on this day.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Palari Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 32 Kms from Kharora, 43 Kms from Bhatapara, 43 Kms from Bhatapara Railway Station, 72 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station and 79 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Raipur to Baloda Bazar Route.

Location