Kuleshwar
Temple, Rajim,
Chattisgarh
Kuleshwar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva located in Rajim Town in Gariaband District in the Indian
state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected
monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of
India. Rajim is probably the holiest
place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi river, just below its junction with Pairi and
Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of three rivers, it is
often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region, Chattisgarh. Rajim was
also called as Kamal Kshetra and Padmapur.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The
temple was built in 9th Century CE as per the inscriptions
available in the Maha Mandapam. British archeologist J D Beglar visited Rajim
in 1871-72 and reported the temples in his memoirs. As he was not allowed to
enter inside the temples, his information is very limited. Famous British
archeologist Alexander Cunningham, visited Rajim in 1881-82, described the
temples in great detail. This temple was completely submerged when there was a
flood in Rajim in 1967. Only the Kalasha was visible. There was no
damage to the temple due to this flood.
The Temple
This
Temple is situated on an island formed by Pairi and Mahanadi rivers. The Temple
is facing towards east. This temple is constructed over a raised platform (Jagati)
at about 17 feet high. The raised platform is octagonal instead of regular
rectangular shape as seen in other temples. There are steps to reach the
platform on three sides. There is also a huge Peepal tree on this
platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa.
The
sanctum houses Kuleshwar in the form of Lingam. The Mandapa is about 26 feet
long. It is supported on two rows of pillars and pilasters on side walls. The
Mandapa is closed on sides. The pillars are decorated richly with sculptures.
There is a female figure on outer pilaster, shown standing on a peacock. This could
be representation of Sarasvati as a river goddess.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Rajim Railway Station, 4 Kms from Rajim
Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Abhanpur, 34 Kms from Arang, 35 Kms from Mahasamund, 38
Kms from Raipur Airport, 47 Kms from Gariaband and 48 Kms from Raipur.
Devotees need to take National Highway 30 from Raipur. Travel till Abhanpur and
from there, take National Highway 130 C to reach Rajim.
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