Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar, Chattisgarh

Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar, Chattisgarh

Bhima Kichak Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Malhar Town in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Locals call  this Temple as Deur. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 and under the control of Archeological Survey of India.

History

Malhar, an ancient town consists of ruins of two temples and a mud fort. The oldest known sculpture of Vishnu with four-arm figure holding shankha, chakra and gada dated to c. 200 BCE was found in Malhar, Chhattisgarh. Malhar is referred as Mallala Pattana in the 12th Century CE Kalchuri Inscriptions. Malhar was under the control of Mauryas, Guptas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Sarabhapuriyas, Panduvamshi of Mekala, Panduvamshis of Kosala and Somavamshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. This Temple can be dated around 6^th – 7^th century CE based on architectural style.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. The Temple is in ruins and only lower half up to Bhitti survived the ravages of time. The Temple consists of Sanctum and Antrala. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. The Sanctum door has life size images of Ganga & Yamuna along with Dvarapalas. There are beautiful depictions of various forms of Lord Shiva and Ganas in different postures can be found in the temple. Broken  idols, doors, sculptures and friezes can be found in the premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Malhar Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Masturi, 27 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 39 Kms from Baloda Bazar, 126 Kms from Raipur and 134 Kms from Raipur Airport. Malhar is situated at about 13 Kms to the southwest of Masturi on Bilaspur – Shivrinarayan Route. Public transport is available from Bilaspur however frequency is limited. 

Location | Photos