Lakshmaneswar Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Lakshmaneswar Temple, Kharod, Chattisgarh

Lakshmaneswar 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. Kharod is also known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. The Temple houses a distinctive laterite Linga with 1.25 lakh (125000) holes. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. 

Legends

Laksha Linga:

It is believed that while returning from the successful conquest of the island of Lanka, Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama was afflicted with leprosy at this place. He prayed to Lord Shiva and installed 1,25,000 Lingas. Lord Shiva was pleased with Lakshman's prayers and cured him from leprosy. Thus, the Linga in the Temple came to be called as Laksha Linga.

Kharod:

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.

Lakhneshvar Temple is the most ancient temple of Kharod as per an inscription of Isanadeva, an early king of the Panduvamshi dynasty, at this Temple. 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

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/lakshmaneswar-temple-kharod-temple.html

Festivals

A grand fair is held in this Temple on all Mondays, Shravan and Shivaratri of Sawan.

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 | Photos