Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Complex,
Sirpur, Chattisgarh
Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Complex is an ancient
temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund
District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
This Temple Complex is situated at about 200 meters to the northwest of Teevardev
Monastery.
History
This
Temple Complex was built by the Shaiva king Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna and is
dated to the mid-8th century. The Temple Complex has been named
after him. He is also attributed to have built most of the monuments at Sirpur.
This Complex came to lime light during the excavations in 2003 – 2004.
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
There
are about three-four temples in this complex. Three Shiva Temples excavated in
the complex are built upon a jagati, high raise platform, similar to the Laxman
Temple. Only foundation is visible for another Temple. Two Temples dedicated to
Balesvara and Udayesvara are located adjacent to each and are facing
west. Both the temples have a mandapa, an antarala and star shaped sanctum. The
corners of the platform have remains of subsidiary shrines indicating Panchayatana form
of temple.
The
biggest temple of the complex has its sanctum door intact, though it seems that
it was redone during the excavation. Ganga and Yamuna are seen on either side
of the door. There are lady attendants also seen. No lintel has survived
however there is a broken Shiva Linga inside the sanctum. Many ruins of pillars
and images are strewn around the site. The residence of the priest was
constructed on the southern side of the complex.
Sirpur is located at about
37 Kms from Mahasamund, 38 Kms from Mahasamund Railway Station, 45 Kms from Arang,
74 Kms from Raipur Airport and 82 Kms from Raipur. Sirpur Village is
situated on the banks of the river Mahanadi in Mahasamund District in the state of
Chhattisgarh. Sirpur is accessible from Raipur by a four-lane National Highway 53. Regular bus services
connect Raipur and Sirpur. The nearest railway station is Mahasamund Railway Station.
The nearest airport is the Swami Vivekananda airport at Raipur with daily flights to
major cities in India.
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