Andal Deul Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Andal Deul Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Andal Deul Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Kharod Town near Shivrinarayan in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple is located in the north end of the town. The Temple is also known as Indal Deul. Kharod is also known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. 

Legends

According to Indian epic Ramayana, Dushana and his twin brother Khara, younger brothers of Ravana, were demons who ruled the Dandaka Forest. After Lakshmana humiliated Surpanakha by cutting off her nose and ears, Khara and Dushana went to war against Lakshmana and Rama. During this fight, Khara and Dushana was killed by Rama. Kharod is the place where the war took place. The exact place is marked with a bat tree as per local folklore. The town Kharod derived its name from these two demons.

History

Kharod was one of the well-known ancient place during the period from 7^th century A.D to the 11^th century A.D. Various Inscriptions can be found in Kharod from different ruling dynasties of South Kosala. Kharod houses a group of ancient temples namely Andal Deul, Sabari Temple and Lakhneshwar Temple. The town was established by Panduvamshis of Kosala in 7^th Century AD. Alexander Cunningham visited Kharod in 1873 – 1874, Beglar visited Kharod in1874 – 1875 and then by Longhurst. These visits bought the importance of these temples to the outside world.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple. The temple is constructed entirely of brick except for its door way and Jagati which are built of stone. The Temple stands on a raised platform. The Temple is Saptaratha on plan. The Temple consists of sanctum only and can be accessed through steps. There is no idol installed inside the sanctum, only few loose panels are kept inside. The design of vimana is similar to the Lakshmana Temple of Sirpur.

The interior walls of the sanctum is plain and devoid of any ornamentation except a recessed niche on the southern wall and the stucco plaster. Ganga and Yamuna can be found at the entrance. The lintel or the cross-bar of the door jambs has friezes of Lord Shiva and Parvati seated in lalitasana at the centre being flanked by Brahma (left), Vishnu (right). There are niches for Parsvadevatas on three sides of external walls however the sculptures are very much ruined. Horse riders can be found on either side of niches.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Kharod Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Shivrinarayan, 38 Kms from Janjgir, 40 Kms from Janjgir Naila Railway Station, 59 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 62 Kms from Bilaspur, 69 Kms from Bilaspur Airport and 131 Kms from Raipur. The Temple is situated on Bilaspur to Shivrinarayan Route (NH – 49). Buses ply from Bilaspur to Kharod on regular intervals.

Location