Dipadih Ancient Temple Ruins, Chattisgarh

Dipadih Ancient Temple Ruins, Chattisgarh

Dipadih Ancient Temple Ruins are group of ancient Hindu temples dedicated to the Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sakthi located in Dipadih Village in Kusmi Tehsil in Balrampur District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. This temple complex is believed to be built in 8^th – 14^th century CE. The Temple ruins are considered one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Dipadih is located at the confluence of Kanhar and Galphulla River.

The Temple Complex

The Temple Complex consist of remains of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sakthi dated to 8^th – 14^th century CE. The remains are found scattered around the village of Dipadih. It is said that the village houses six major temples and 74 minor temples. The remains spread over an area of about 1 Km.

The Sarna temple is considered as the major shrine in the temple complex. It is believed to be built in memory of King Samant Sarna who lost his life in a battle. The temple is built in Panchayatana style i.e. main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. The doorway to the sanctum is profusely carved.

Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel of the doorway. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. Images of Nayikas in various postures can be seen on the pillars. The structure might have been massive in its heydays but now only the foundation remains. There is a very unique idol of two lions with one head can be seen on the adhisthana of the temple.

Remains of several temples can be seen in Uraon Tola, Rani Pokhara, Borja Tila, Semal Tila and Ama Tila. Sculptures of Brahma, Durga, Ganga, Yamuna, Vishnu, Kuber, Kartikeya, Mahishasura Mardini, Chamunda, Gajalakshmi, Uma Mahesvara, Alingana Murthy, Nardana Ganesha, Rudra Bhairava and several Shiva Lingas can be found in the temple complex.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Dipadih Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Kusmi, 68 Kms from Balrampur, 77 Kms from Ambikapur, 81 Kms from Ambikapur Railway Station, 92 Kms from Ambikapur Airport and 231 Kms from Ranchi Airport. The temple is situated on Kusmi to Ambikapur route.

Location