Vishnu Varaha Temple, Majholi, Madhya Pradesh

Vishnu Varaha Temple, Majholi, Madhya Pradesh

Vishnu Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Majholi Village in Majholi Tehsil in Jabalpur District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The original temple is believed to have been built during 11^th century CE as the sanctum enshrines image of Varaha belonging to the Kalachuri period. Alexander Cunningham visited this temple during 1873 – 1874 CE and described about this temple in his report.

The Temple

The Temple is of modern construction but enshrines an 11^th century CE image of Varaha belonging to Kalachuri period. The architectural fragments and sculptures from the original temple are been utilized in the construction in the modern temple. The sanctum door follows Kalachuri style. The lintel of the doorway has four armed Vishnu seated in Yoga posture at its central location flanked by Navagrahas. The door jambs have three bands of decoration.

The middle band has three niches housing apsaras in various postures. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the base of the door jamb. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines a huge image of Varaha. This image is similar to the images of Eran and Khajuraho. There is serpent depicted in between the legs of Varaha. The serpent is shown holding a vessel accompanied by his wife. She also holds a vessel in her hands.

There is an image of Vishnu in Yoga posture in between the snout of Varaha and hood of the serpent. The body of the Varaha is decorated with various gods & goddesses of Hindu pantheon, celestial beings and sages. There are few loose sculptures built into the external wall of the sanctum. Images of Ganesha, Vaishnavi, Uma Mahesvara, Vishnu etc. belonging to the Kalchuri era can be seen in the external walls of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Majholi New Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Katangi, 20 Kms from Sihora, 23 Kms from Sihora Road Railway Station, 45 Kms from Jabalpur, 55 Kms from Jabalpur Airport, 70 Kms from Katni and 71 Kms from Damoh. Majholi can be reached from Sihora which is located on Jabalpur-Katni road. Majholi is situated on Sihora to Katangi route.

Location