Bhand Deul Temple, Arang, Chattisgarh

Bhand Deul Temple, Arang, Chattisgarh

Bhand Deul Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras located in Arang Town in Arang Tehsil in Raipur District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. It is also one of the rare temple which has all 24 Jain Tirthankaras carved on a single stone. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Krishna appeared disguised as a Brahmin before king Murddhawaja of the Haihaya dynasty and asked for dakshina. The king happily offered the brahmin whatever dakshina he wanted. The disguised Brahmin asked for one half of the king's body. The king immediately ordered that he should be cut off and one half given must be given as dakshina to the brahmin. As he was about to be cut in half, a tear drop fell from one of the eyes.

The Brahmin asked the king if the tear drop reflected his regret in accepting his request. The king replied no, adding that the half of the body which he did not ask for weeps as it too would like to be a part of the dakshina. Lord Krishna then revealed himself and blessed the king for his devotion. Thus, the place came to be called as Arang. The name Arang is formed of two words ara meaning saw and anga meaning body.

History

The Temple was built in 9th century CE by the Kalachuri Kings. It is a protected monument under the Raipur circle of Archaeological Survey of India, since 1920. Arang flourished as the centre of Hindu and Jain religious faiths under the rule of Kalachuris. Arang has many Jain and Hindu temples that date backs to the 9th to 11th centuries. Arang also finds mention in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

A copper plate inscription dated to the Gupta period, known as the Arang Plate of Bhimasena II of the clan of Rajarsitulya was unearthed at Arang. It attests to the reign of this dynasty over Chhattisgarh, particularly of Bhimasena II and five rulers who preceded him. It is inferred that they were vassals of the Gupta Empire.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and is built over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, mandapa and an entrance porch on plan. The mandapa and the entrance porch was completely lost. The sanctum is stellate and pancharatha in plan. The sanctum enshrines three images of Jain tirthankaras namely Ajitanatha, Neminath and Shreyanasanatha in kayotsarga posture.

All the images are carved ornately in black stone and highly polished. The tower follows nagara style of architecture. The tower is about five tiers. The front side of the tower has been plastered without any decoration. The north-east and south-east faces of the temple tower were also dilapidated and have been reconstructed in brick and mortar, but crudely.

The exterior walls has two rows of sculptures. The exterior of the temple is decorated with niches enshrining images of Jain tirthankaras, urushringas, yakshas, yakshis and erotic couples. The adishtana contains five mouldings beautifully carved with rows of elephants, swans, horses, music, dance scenes, geometric patterns and kirtimukhas etc.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Arang Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Arang Mahanadi Railway Station, 18 Kms from Mahasamund, 30 Kms from Raipur Airport and 38 Kms from Raipur. The temple is situated on Raipur to Mahasamund route.

Location