Dharmarajeshwar Temple, Chandwasa, Madhya Pradesh

Dharmarajeshwar Temple, Chandwasa, Madhya Pradesh

Dharmarajeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chandwasa Town in Mandsaur District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The architecture of the temple is similar to Kailash Temple of Ellora. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple was built in 7^th century CE by Gurjara Pratiharas. It is approximately the same time when the Rashtrakutas commissioned the monolithic temples at Ellora.

The Temple

This monolithic temple is carved out of solid natural rock. The architecture of the temple can be compared with Kailash Temple of Ellora. It is carved out of a rock of size 50 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 9 metres deep. The main shrine is situated in the middle of the temple complex surrounded by seven subsidiary shrines. The main shrine measures 14.53 metres in length and 10 metres in width.

It consists of entrance porch, Sabha Mandapa and Sanctum. The Sanctum houses a big Shiva Linga along with an idol of Lord Vishnu. The Shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. Carvings of Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi can be seen in the frame of the entrance of the main shrine. The subsidiary shrines houses sculptures of Bhairava, Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, Garuda and Goddess Parvati.

Festivals

A grand fair is organized during Shivaratri every year when large number of people gather from the nearby areas.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Chandwasa, 23 Kms from Shamgarh, 25 Kms from Shamgarh Railway Station, 30 Kms from Garoth, 76 Kms from Mandsaur, 281 Kms from Bhopal Airport and 291 Kms from Bhopal. Chandwasa is situated on the Mandsaur to Garoth route via Asawati.

Location | Photos