Virateshwara Temple, Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh

Virateshwara Temple, Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh

Virateshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sohagpur in Shahdol Town in Sohagpur Tehsil in Shahdol District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

This temple was built by Maharaja Yuvraj of Kalchuri Dynasty between 950 – 1050 CE. This temple was built as a present for the Acharya (Saint) of Golkaki Math. Few historians consider this temple was built by Karna Deva of Kalachuri Dynasty (1041-1073 CE).

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east and built on a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa and ardha mandapa. The shikara is connected to a low protrusion tower called Sukanasi (tower over the antrala, called nose of the main tower). The Sukanasi has an image of Nataraja within the medallion. The Maha Mandapa might have had a pyramidal tower over it. The lower portion of the outer wall of the maha mandapa is decorated with sculptures.

The mandapa is having balcony type arrangement on southern and a window on the northern side. The ardha mandapa might have been added to the original structure at later period. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines Shiva Linga. The sanctum is crowned with a nagara style shikara with miniature shikaras over it. The shikara is about 125 feet tall. The exterior walls of the sanctum are decorated with three rows of sculptures.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Tiraha Bypass Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Shahdol New Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Shahdol Railway Station, 166 Kms from Rewa, 177 Kms from Jabalpur and 184 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The temple is situated in Sohagpur Banagana area of Shahdol Town on Shahdol to Rewa route.

Location