Ashtabhuji Temple, Adbhar, Chattisgarh

Ashtabhuji Temple, Adbhar, Chattisgarh

Ashtabhuji Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Adbhar, a historical town in Janjgir-Champa district in the state of Chhattisgarh in India. Adbhar is known historically as Ashtadwar. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

According to a legend, Goddess Ashtabhuji was the daughter of Yashoda, who was a foster mother of Lord Krishna. She miraculously escaped from the Kansa, who wanted to kill her. After that, she made Vindyachal her abode.

The Temple

This Temple complex is situated in the south-west outskirt of the town. The temple complex is a massive temple structure which is now in ruins except the stone basement. The Ashtabhuji Temple is basically a Shiva Temple as evident from an ancient Shiva Linga enshrined in the centre of the sanctum but more importance is given to Goddess Ashtabhuji. The Temple is also considered as one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Durga. The Temple houses a rare life-sized idol of eight-armed Goddess Ashtabhuji.

The temple was constructed of sand stone. The temple originally had a garbhagriha, an antarala, a mandapa and an Ardhamandapam, being approached by a flight of steps, all oriented in one axis with the temple facing west. The ruins of temple had a star-shaped plan. The only extant structure in the complex is the rectangular Nandi mandapa. The structure stands detached from the other components of the temple but falls in the same axis. This rectangular pillared hall is supported by four pillars.

Festivals

Jyoti Kalash is lighted here on the occasion of Navratri.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Adbhar New Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Sakti railway Station, 14 Kms from Kharsia Railway Station, 44 Kms from Raigarh Airport and 45 Kms from Raigarh. The town is well connected from Sakti railway station of Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line and also from south-west from Kharsia railway station in the same railway line.

Location | Photos