Mahadeva Temple, Bhainsdehi, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Bhainsdehi, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple  is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Bhainsdehi Town in Bhainsdehi Tehsil in Betul District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Purna river. Bhainsdehi is considered as the originating place of the river Purna and is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Satpura.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 15^th century CE. The shikara portion above the sanctum is said to have been built by the Marathas. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The mandapa is completely destroyed except its remaining pillars and the basement. The mandapa might haven been supported by 16 pillars. The pillars of the mandapa are square in plan and carved with figures of Nayak-Nayikas in dancing postures & playing musical instruments.

A Nandi can be found at the entrance of the mandapa facing towards the sanctum. An image of Ganesha can be seen in the antrala. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum doorway has two bands of decoration. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga seems to be of recent addition. Images of dvarapalas are carved on the lower portion of the doorjambs.

The dedicatory block of the lintel has an image of Ganesha. Image of eight armed Nataraja flanked by Vishnu & Ganesha on the right side and Brahma & Saraswathi on the left side can be seen above the lintel. The original shikara over the sanctum was lost. The current oval shaped shikara was built during the Maratha period. The external walls of the temple has two bands of sculptures.

Sculptures of Chanwardharini, Sura Sundaris, Nayikas, female figures in dancing posture, applying makeups & playing musical instruments, Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Saraswathi, Hanuman, Rama and Dikpalas. There is a step well situated in front of the temple. Sculptures of Shiva, Ganesha, Krishna, various deities, Maithuna, Nayak-Nayikas, and architectural fragments can be found scattered around the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Bhainsdehi Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Gudgaon, 50 Kms from Betul, 50 Kms from Betul Railway Station, 83 Kms from Multai, 110 Kms from Amravati and 204 Kms from Nagpur Airport. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Gudgaon on Betul to Amravati route.

Location