Kalachuri Temple Complex, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh

Kalachuri Temple Complex, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh

Kalachuri Temple Complex is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu located in Amarkantak, a pilgrimage town in Anuppur District in  Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple Complex consists of six temples and a Kund. Amarkantak is situated at an altitude of 1000 m. The region is a unique natural heritage area and is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. It is the origin place for Narmada River, Son River and Johila River. Amarkantak is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage center popularly known as Teertharaj (King of pilgrimages).

The Temple Complex

The Temple Complex consists of six temples and a Kund. Karna Temple, Keshava Narayan Temple, Machendranatha Temple and Pataleshwar Temple were built by Kalachuris of Tripuris while the Panch Math and Johila Temple were of later period.

Karna Temple:

Karna Temple (Karna Math) is famously known as Trimukhi Temple. It is considered as the largest and the most prominent temple in the Kalachuri Temple complex. The Temple was built by King Lakshmikarna (1041–1073 CE) of Kalachuri Dynasty of Tripuri. The Temple consists of three shrines and are built over a raised platform. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps.

These three temples might have shared a common mandapa in the past. However, the mandapa was lost completely. The bases of the pillars once supported the mandapa can be seen over the platform. All these shrines connected to the mandapa via vestibule. The vestibule and the shikara of the western and northern shrines are intact while the southern shrine is completely lost. The shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style.

Keshava Narayan Temple:

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and consists of two shrines connected to a common mandapa via vestibule. Both the shrines are situated perpendicular to each other. One shrine is facing towards east while the other shrine is facing towards north. The sanctum is currently empty. The shikara over the sanctums follows Nagara style. There are niches on the three sides of the sanctum however all are empty.

Machendranatha Temple:

The temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE by Kalachuri Kings. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of sanctum, vestibule and mandapa. The mandapa is supported on pillars and is covered with parapet walls on either side. The roof of the mandapa is damaged now. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi.

It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. An image of lion can be seen on top of the sukhanasi. The Sanctum is pancharatha on plan. An image of Ganesha can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. The shikara is crowned with two amalakas and a kalasha.

Pataleshwar Temple:

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of sanctum, vestibule and mandapa. It is said that Adi Sankaracharya installed Shiva Linga in this temple during his visit in the eight century CE. However, the temple was built by King Lakshmikarna (1041–1073 CE) of Kalachuri Dynasty of Tripuri.

The superstructure over the mandapa is of pyramidal shape. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The floor of the sanctum is 1.4 meter below when compared to the floor of the mandapa. Hence, the temple came to be called as Pataleshwar Temple.

Panch Math:

Panch Math is a group of five temples constructed in different architectural styles. These temples were built by Gond rulers in 15^th century CE. All these temples are constructed over a low raised platform.

Johila Temple:

This temple is considered as the latest temple in this complex. The temple is believed to be built by a local chief. The temple is built on a raised platform. The shikara follows a pyramidal style adorned by side transepts on all the sides.

Suraj Kund:

Suraj Kund is believed to have been excavated by Adi Shankaracharya. It is considered to be the origin of River Narmada. The Kund was later renovated by King Lakshmikarna (1041–1073 CE) of Kalachuri Dynasty of Tripuri.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Amarkantak Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Pendra Road Railway Station, 70 Kms from Anuppur Junction Railway Station, 118 Kms from Bilaspur, 130 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 224 Kms from Jabalpur and 232 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The Temple is well connected to Rewa, Shahdol, Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra by buses.

Location