Ashta Kali Temple, Asta, Madhya Pradesh

Ashta Kali Temple, Asta, Madhya Pradesh

Ashta Kali Temple  is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali located at Asta Village in Barghat Tehsil in Seoni District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, the temple was believed to be built in single night due to the blessing of Goddess Durga. As the locals noticed the temple construction, the construction work stopped, and the temple remained incomplete. The architectural fragments scattered around the temple even today.

History

This temple was built in 13^th century by King Mahadeva of Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri. The Yadava Kings built around eight temples in this place. Hence, the place came to be called as Ashta (Eight).

The Temple

The temple complex has two temples and a mandapa at present. The temples are built in Hemadpanti architectural style. The main temple consists of sanctum, vestibule, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa were completely lost except the foundation. The sanctum and vestibule remains intact. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi.

It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The sanctum is empty now. An image of ten-armed Goddess Kali in the southern niche of the sanctum is considered as the presiding deity currently. The temple is also named after her. The shikara of the temple is crowned with an amalaka. The other temple consists of sanctum and entrance porch. It enshrines a Shiva Linga in its sanctum.

Festivals

A fair is organized here during Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri. 

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 18 Kms from Barghat, 18 Kms from Barghat Bus Stand, 39 Kms from Seoni, 70 Kms from Balaghat, 147 Kms from Nagpur, 155 Kms from Nagpur Airport, 179 Kms from Jabalpur and 389 Kms from Bhopal. The temple is situated at about 18 Kms from Barghat off the Seoni to Balaghat route.

Location