Popular Religious Sites In Chhattisgarh

A journey back in time in search of religious sites in Chhattisgarh, takes you to numerous fascinating spots in the state. When it comes to exploring religious sites in Chhattisgarh, you would be amazed at the wealth of religious history deeply rooted in the state. These fascinates spots open a window to the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu architectures and beliefs from the 5^th century. Among the numerous spots, a few popular religious sites in Chhattisgarh are mentioned below.

Bamleshwari Temple, Dongargarh

Situated on Bambleshwari Hill, the Bambleshwari Temple is dedicated to goddess Bambleshwari. Believed to be a form of goddess Parvati, Bambleshwari was worshipped by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain who is deemed to have built the temple. The original structure of the temple is believed to be more than two thousand years old. It was renovated and rebuilt in the 11^th and 20^th centuries respectively. The ancient structure was constructed in the Nagara style of architecture. A tall temple tower, a sanctum sanctorum, pillared hall and an entrance tower constitute the key structures of the temple. Intricate carvings and designs add charm to the temple. Interestingly, in recent times, the temple has gone through reconstructions to accommodate the large number of devotees visiting the temple. The climb up the hill involves 1000 steps leading to the temple premises. For those who would like to evade the uphill task, ropeway ride is on offer. At the foot of the hill is situated Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple, which is also dedicated to goddess Bambleshwari. A large number of devotees flow to the temple on festivals days like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali.

Bhoramdeo Temple, Bhoramdeo

Despite its dilapidated state, the Bhoramdeo Temple bears testimony to the splendid ancient architectural mastery. For its outstanding exterior carved works, similar to the Khajuraho temple and the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, the temple is also known as the ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’. Located in the mountain ranges of Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh, the temple is estimated to be built during 7th to 11th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple follows saptaratha architectural plan. The main structure consists of an entrance-porch, main hall, antechamber and an inner sanctum. A Shivalinga is placed in the inner sanctum. Also displaced sculptures of Naga, Ganesha and Lakulisha are found therein. Among thousands of sculptured works on the exterior walls of the temple, at the entrance door are Ganga and Yamuna. In the sanctum, sculpted images of the ten avatars of the Lord Vishnu can be seen. Then, there are elephants, mythical figures and sensuous sculptures all over. Every year, Bhoramdeo Mahotsav Festival falls on the last week of the month of March.

Danteshwari Temple, Raipur

When you visit the Danteshwari temple, what attracts you predominantly is the façade of the temple. Built in a wooden hut style, the temple is dedicated to six armed Mahisasuramardini as “Danteswari”. The pyramidal shaped main structure stands on 32 wooden pillars. A black stone carved sculpture of the goddess is the main image. Apart from that there are other idols too which are also carved in black stones. An ancient Garud pillar at the entrance is another key factor to note. Assumed to be constructed by the rulers of Chindak Nagvanshi of Bastar in 11th -12th century, the temple is rich in legacy and traditions. Traditional Chalukyan and Dravidian styles of architecture depicts mythological stories on the carvings on pillars, domes, and sanctum sanctorum. Dussehra is the main festival here which attracts tens of thousands of devotees. The festivity lasts for a month involving processions, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Chaitra Navratri, Phagun mela and Diwali are also celebrated here.

Arang Jain temples, Raipur

The temple town of Raipur has significant place for Jain and Hindu believers in their spiritual journey. The city has several Jain and Hindu ancient temples. Among them the Jain temples are historically important. Belonging to the Medieval Period, there are three prominent Jain temples in town. Apart from these three temples there also a few other ancient structures in the area. Being a historically important temple complex, besides devotees, historians also frequent the area. Bhand Dewal Temple, Bhag Deval Temple and Mahamaya Temple remain the key attraction points. Bhand Dewal temple is believed to be built during the Haihaya Dynasty in the 9^th century. The Nagar style temple houses statues of three Jain Tirthankaras. Carved works of gods and goddesses and humans embellish the structure. Experts reveal that some parts of the temple are ruined by natural calamities and are lost. Much like Bhand Dewal, Bhag Deval Temple and Mahamaya Temple are also key sites to visit.

Sirpur Group of Monuments

Sirpur is considered to be a serene tourist location and is one of the popular religious sites in Chhattisgarh. And the main reason for visitors to flock to the city is amplified thanks to the presence of a few popular ancient temples, monasteries and monuments. Different excavations in the area have unearthed Jain, Buddhist and Hindu temples and monasteries or the remnants of these religious structures. Scores of religious sites belonging to these religions from the ancient India unravel the coexistence of the followers of these religions. Dating back to 5^th-11^th centuries, these are monuments that attract the faithful and historians alike.

The Buddhist monastery at Sirpur is considered as one of the largest monasteries in India. Built by Mahashivgupt Balarjun and Ananda Prabha, Anand Prabha Kuti Vihara and Svastika Vihara are adjacent to each other.

Lakshmana Temple built during the reign of King Mahashivagupta in the 7^th century is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the region. Belonging to the same era, Rama temple in the close vicinity is another popular temple. Gandheswarnath Shiva Temple from the 8^th century is an active temple not to be missed in Sirpur. Surang Tila is an architectural wonder in the region. The complex with multiple sanctums were sacred places of worshipping Shiva and Vishnu.

Remnants of Jain temples discovered at Sirpur highlight their presence from the 9^th century.

Having mentioned all the above, it is apt to mention that if you are an enthusiast of ancient religious sites, Chhattisgarh will not disappoint you. The religious sites in Chhattisgarh are innumerable. The Hirapur museum, Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, Raipur, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Jumma Masjid at Bhilai, Chandrahasini Devi Temple, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Mahamaya Temple a few other notable sites to visit in the state.

Author

Deepu Paul

A Travel enthusiast, Foodie, and Published author craving to explore the intricate beauty of nature and its gift of delectable treats. Pens down his thoughts and experiences to present a delightful journey for his readers