Shavari Temple, Kharod,
Chattisgarh
Shavari
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated
to the Goddess Sakthi located in Kharod Town near Shivrinarayan
in Janjgir – Champa District in the Indian
state of Chhattisgarh. The
temple is located in the southern outskirt of the town. Kharod is also
known as Kashi of Chhattisgarh. This temple has been declared of national importance
under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act
1958.
Legends
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 7th century
A.D to the 11th 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 7th Century AD. The Temple was built during the first quarter of
8th Century AD. 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
This
is an east facing Temple. The temple is constructed entirely of brick except
for its door way, pillars, and Jagati which are built of stone. The Temple
stands on a raised platform. The Temple is Saptaratha on plan. The temple consists
of sanctum, antrala and a mandapa. The present mandapa is a modern restoration.
The sanctum houses Goddess Sabari / Savari. There are no river-goddesses found
at the entrance.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 100 meters 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
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