Vishwanatha Temple, Madhi Bagh, Madhya Pradesh

Vishwanatha Temple, Madhi Bagh, Madhya Pradesh

Vishwanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Madhi Bagh Village in Bandhogarh Tehsil in Umaria District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated close to Umrar Dam. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by the Later Kalachuri dynasty.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. Originally, the temple consisted of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. Only the sanctum and antrala remains intact today. The mandapa has been lost completely. The base of the pillars of the antrala are decorated with ghata pallava motifs, shafts with floral motifs and decorative bracket capitals. The lintel of the doorway depicts Lord Shiva in Thandava posture at the centre and Sarasvati & Ganesha in dancing posture at the terminal end. The base of the doorjamb is carved with river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna with their attendants on either side.

The sanctum is square in shape. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. The ceiling of the sanctum is decorated with lotus. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara. The shikara is topped by an amalaka and kalasha. The exterior portion above the base has two bands featuring sculptures of Nataraja, Ganesha, various other deities, ashta dikpalakas, apsaras and mythical creatures. Shrines of Anjaneya and Bhairava can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Umrar Dam, 7 Kms from Umaria Railway Station, 8 Kms from Umaria, 9 Kms from Umaria Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Shahpura and 124 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The temple is situated on Umaria to Shahpura route.

Location