Madku Dweep

Madku-dweep

(A blog by Jitendra Nakka) 

Introduction

The Bilaspur division of Chhattisgarh is well embraced by lush green forest, hilly areas in the north, and great ancient history. When we talk about ancient history, there are few places in this division, which can astonish you to its extreme, as how that would have happened in the past. One such place is Madku-dweep. 

  Pic: Front (Left side) view of temples

Situated near calm and silent river Shivnath, Madku dweep is an island of spellbinding beauty with full of greenery. It has an area of around 24 ha and is extremely picturesque. The island of Madku-dweep resembles the shape of a frog (Mandku), hence got its name. 

Where and How to reach?

Madku dweep is situated 25kms far from Bilaspur towards Raipur in NH-130 (old NH-200). It’s nearly 79kms far from Raipur. The nearest railway stations are Bilaspur, Bhatapara and Raipur. And nearest airport is Raipur. Madku-dweep is approachable throughout the year but as it is situated near the bank of River Shivnath and is approachable through Annicut Bridge through Sargaon Village which is nearly 15-20kms from Madku-dweep. 

Pic: Site Location of Madku Dweep (Source: Maps of India)

  

One more way is through Village Baithalpur, which, too, is on NH-130 (Raipur-Bilaspur Highway) and is just 4kms away from Madku Dweep.

For boarding and lodging, one can take hotels and motels in Bilaspur, which is the nearest big city and a no. of hotels are there, which provide attractive tourist packages for the nearby tourist places.   

 

Importance:

Historical and Archeological Importance:

According to Archaeologists, this place is famous for various facts:

(   (1) Here pre-historic stone tools have been discovered and has been reported in India Epigraphy 1959-60 report.

(   (2) Here, two stone inscriptions have been found, where one is in Bramhi script and is of 3^rd Century B.C. mentioning the name of Akshaya Nidhi and other one is in Shankha Script.

Religious Importance:

This place is a unique identity for a name called religious harmony. As this place is very famous for the ancient idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Shiv-Parvati, Nandi and many other Gods, there are few new temples also built here which are equally worshipped by the devotees. Religiously, as this place is in the middle of river, it is also renowned as Kedar Tirth and has got the title of Harihar Kshetra Kedar Dweep.

In the month of Paosh Purnima (Chera chera Punni), a 7 day fair is held here. Similarly here Shiv-ratri and Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated with great devotion.

One more fact which shows the communal and religious harmony of this area is that just beside the archeological excavation of Madku-dweep, Christians too gather for a huge fair every year in the month of February during 10^th-18^th. 

Art and Sculpture:

Archeologist went through extensive excavation in this place, and happened to have unearthed 19 ancient temples. Strange is the fact that among these temples, 18 temples are directed towards east direction and one temple (middle one) is directed to west direction. The style of temples and statues formation(including idols of Shivlinga, Ganesh, Shiv Parvati) is quite similar to that of Great Kalchuris. 

 Pic: Statue of Uma-Maheshwar

 

Pic: Statue of Lord Shri Ganesha

 Pic: Site Location with Author

 Pic: Front (Left side) view of temples

  Pic: Front (Right side) view of temples

  Pic: Front Back View of temples

After mush research, it was concluded that a mighty overhead flood submerged the whole series of temples in 1.5-2m below ground level.

Conclusion:

Here near the bank of Shivnath, there are a lot of relics which are still to be explored, but this is just the beginning. This temple comes under Archeological Survey of India and still hides a great past, a great mystery to be revealed. The basic need is to go for more analyzed research. Here nearby, you can also visit the temples of Tala.

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Devrani Jethani Temple - Tala, Chhattisgarh

Devrani-Jethani temple - Tala, Chhattisgarh

(A blog by Jitendra Nakka) 

Introduction

In words of famous scientist James Hutton – “Present is the key to Past”, which means the past processes can be explained in terms of the contemporary processes which can be observed  and recorded at present. 

There are some places which are evidences of great ancient past. There are some places which are proof of great art and breathtaking sculpture of any region. There are some places which are witness of great love of traditions and customs by any great ancient kingdoms, any great ancient dynasties. One such perfect destination is Tala. Tala is famous for Devrani-Jethani temples.

 Picture: Devrani Temple, Tala

Where and How to reach?

Tala lies in the bank of confluence of river Maniyari and Shivnath near Village Ameri Kampa. Tala is also identified as Sangama Gram in the records of Panduvanshis of Mekala.

                                  Picture: Location Map of Tala

 Tala lies near the Raipur-Bilaspur Highway (NH-130), the nearest railway station is Bilaspur and Raipur and the nearest airport is Raipur. This place is approachable throughout all the seasons of a year. 

Importance:

Historical Importance:

Discovered by J.D.Welger, assistant to renowned archeologist Alexander Cunningham in 1873-74, Tala has been dated to about 7-8^th Century A.D. During excavations, it has been dated to 6^th – 10^th Century A.D. 

Religious Importance:

Tala is famous for the spectacular Devrani-Jethani temples which are devoted to Lord Shiva. Various excavations done here tell that various dynasties reigned here were followers of Lord Shiva and preached the Shaiva Religion in the past. Here there are few more temples built recently by Nishad Samaaj namely Ram-Janki temple, Swami Purnanand Maharaj temple and Gaushala.

Art and Sculpture:

Devrani-Jethani temple

Here, there are two temples viz: (1) Devrani temple and  Jethani temple. Both the temples are still present in the form of remnants only. It is discovered that these temples have been during the reign of Sharabpuri Kingdom.-

  (1)    Devrani Temple: 

This temple involves a combination of two temple (a) Devrani temple and (2) Shiv temple. The dimension of this temple is quite interesting as it has a dimension of 75X32 square feet. This temple is constituted by three phases of temples i.e. Mandapa, Antaral and Garbh-griha. The entrance wall pillars is ornamented with encarvings of River Goddesses whereas the top is encarved with Gajlaxmi.

Picture: Front View of Devrani Temple

Picture: Inner View of Garbh-griha, Devrani Temple 

Picture: Inner View of Garbh-griha, Devrani Temple  

 Picture: Author infront of entrance

This temple cannot be complete without discussing the divine and spectacular statue of Lord Shiva which is also renowned as Rudra Shiva. In this statue, the body parts of the Lord Shiva is made in the form of different animals like the forehead is made like snake, nose is made like lizard, moustaches is made like fish, beard is formed like crab and the ears are made like pea-cocks. Similarly the abdomen part of Shiva is made of the head of 7 men. The statue is nearly 2.70 meter long. As we don’t find any incarnation of Lord Shiva like this statue in any of the religious books, hence there are differences in the view of archeologists and historians. 

 Picture: Statue of Rudra Shiva

The majority of this temple was buried under earth. In 1976-77, The excavation was started, later followed by excavation works in 1988-89. This temple is believed to have built by Sharabhpuri Dynasty around 5^th - 6^th  Century A.D. Later on the external part of the temple had been extended around 9^th – 10^th Century A.D. 

((2)    Jethani Temple:

 

This temple is in devastated condition but still hold special importance in the field of Archeology and Science, where the back of the base of the temple gives a square like impression but the front of the temple shows continuous stairs upto the first chamber i.e.  Mandapa, which is actually half of its square shape. The Garbh-griha and front phase of the temple is directed towards east direction, whereas other entrance can be observed in East and West direction too. The relic of weight bearing pillars can be observed by the ornamentation encarvings of Lion at different directions and other peculiar but artistically spectacular design of idols. The base of the temple is ornamented with the encarvings of Digpal Devta and Gajmukh.

Picture: Side View of Jethani Temple  

Picture: Front View of Jethani Temple 

 

Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Digpal Dev) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple

 Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Digpal Dev) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple

 

 Picture: Ornamentation(Encarvings of Lions) in the Pillar of Front View of Jethani Temple

 

 Picture: Ornamented Pillar infront of Jethani temple

  Picture: ruined statues and idols infront of Jethani temple

  Picture:  idols infront of Jethani temple

Picture:  idols infront of Jethani temple courtyard

Picture:  idols infront of Jethani temple courtyard

The extensive excavation of this temple started in 1986, resulted into the discovery of various statues, metamorphic objects, metal bangles, coins etc. Later in 1987, more enhanced excavation was started to more findings. This temple is believed to be of 5^th – 6^th Century A.D. This temple is made from Red Sandstone and is believed to have gone through renovation previously in 8^th-9^th Century A.D. This place is considered as one of the most important Shiava pilgrim from early ages.  

Conclusion:

Here near the bank of Maniyari and Shivnath, there are a lot of relics waiting to be explored. This place is an important pilgrim for Shaiva people and a huge fair is held every year in the month of Shiv-ratri. So if you really wanna visit some of the best archeological sites of Chhattisgarh, do visit Tala. 

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Arang - The Temple City of Chhattisgarh

Arang, the Temple city of Chhattisgarh

(A blog by Jitendra Nakka)

Introduction

Raipur is the Capital of Chhattisgarh, not just in terms of Politics, or not in terms of technical and infra-structural development, but also in terms of its rich art and culture and heritage, its archeology nearby. Raipur, being district has four blocks, where one of the blocks is Arang. Arang, the block head quarter, is a small town, but possess many worthseeing ancient temple and is famous as the “temple town of Chhattisgarh”.

                              Picture: Bhaand Dewal Jain Temple

 Where and How to reach?

36 kms to the east of Raipur (along the Mahasamund road, in NH-06) lies the beautiful town of Arang. The nearest airport is Raipur. This place is approachable throughout the year. For Lodging and boarding, Raipur can be a nearest suitable destination.

                                    Picture: Location Map of Arang

                                        Source: Maps of India

Mythological and Historical Importance:

This place was once under the Kingdom of a kind, noble, faithful, generous, worthy ruler, King Mordhwaj (once the ruler of Ratanpur kingdom), who was believed to have ruled over this region, during the period of “Mahabharata”. History says that all the area occupied by his reign, shows equal importance to Jaina, Vaishnava and Shakt temples. 

Archeological Importance: 

Much of the area in the Central Chhattisgarh was once the kingdom of Great Kalchuris, who were great admirers of Art, Sculpture and Culture. They ruled Central Chhattisgarh during 1000-1741 A.D. They happened to have given equal importance to all the religions of their reign and made countless temples all over many parts of Central Chhattisgarh.

Religious Importance: 

Believed as the land of Great King Mordhwaj, Arang is the home of some of the most wonderful temples of Central Chhattisgarh namely - Bhand Dewal Jain Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Mahadev temple, Shri Bageshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, Goddess Kamaksha temple, Shri Panchmehwar Pipaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Goddess Chandi Temple etc. People from all parts of Central India visit this place because of these divine shrines. Therefore today this place is called as temple-town of Chhattisgarh. 

Salient Features:

   1. Bhand Dewal Jain Temple: This temple is believed to have been built by Haihaya Dynasty during 9^th Century A.D. Dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras (Jain Gods), this temple shows three beautiful statues of Jain Tirthankaras, with beautiful carvings inside and outside of the temple. Built in the form of Nagar style of temple formation, this temple shows beautiful carvings of Yaksh-yakshinis, Gods and Goddess & erotic couple carvings.

                                 Picture: Bhand Dewal Jain Temple

    2. Goddess Kamaksha temple: This temple is near Goddess Samya Mata temple and devoted to Goddess Durga. It is built under the roots of a Banyan tree; as told by the locals, earlier the former patron priest of this place got a dream by the almighty Goddess Durga to search this place, dig it, and find an ancient statue, Hence this temple is formed.

                                   Picture: Chandi Mata Temple

     3. Shri Panchmeshwar Pipaleshwar Mahadev Temple: It is believed that it is built under the trunk part of a Pipal tree, where as told, earlier the former patron priest of this place got a dream by the almighty Lord Shankar to search this place, dig it, and find an ancient Shiv Lingam, Hence this temple is formed.

                               Picture: Pachmeshwar Pipaleshwar Temple

    4. Goddess Chandi Temple: This temple is actually devoted to the almighty Goddess Durga as Mata Chandi. The centrally placed statue has been placed by the excavation done near the temple region itself. Other than this temple is a divine abode of Lord Vishnu and Jain Lord Aadinath Shri Rishabdevji. All these statues have been recovered by the excavation done in the Arang area.  

                                   Picture: Chandi Mata Temple

  

    5. Shri Bageshwar Nath Mahadev Temple: This temple too is an ancient temple but for the sake of its conservation, Government and Local Bodies has renovated this shrine to a new temple. Built in Nagara style of temple formation, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Just below right side near the entrance gate of this temple, one can observe many archeological ruins like broken statue of Nandi, Lord Vishnu and Garuda. The Courtyard of this temple shows an example of roof like boundary formation which too is used for the visitors and priests at the time of Yagyas.

                                   Picture: Bageshwar Temple

 

Conclusion: Arang is a worthseeing place very near to the capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. If you people really wanna visit some aesthetic religious place near Raipur….do visit Arang.

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Mahadev Temple Dev Baloda

Dev-Baloda Shiv temple

(A blog by Jitendra Nakka) 

Introduction

There are some places or sites which being in the midst of lot of adversities, still manages to come out from them. One can go there and can be witness of great past of that place. One such place is Dev-Baloda, near Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, which is famous for ancient Shiv temple, called as Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple.

 Picture: Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple (Front View)

 Picture: Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple (Side View)

Where and How to reach?

Dev-Baloda comes under Charoda Muncipality region, just 3 kms south of Charoda Town. Its just 10-15 kms from Bhilai and 20-25 kms from Raipur, the Capital of Chhattisgarh on Raipur-Nagpur Highway (i.e. Mumbai Howrah Highway). The nearest Railway station are Charoda, Power House(Bhilai) and Raipur. And the nearest airport is Raipur.

Importance:

Historical Importance:

According to Archaeologists, the Central Chhattisgarh was once the kingdom of Great Kalchuris. the Kalchuri dynasty were great admirers of art and sculpture and near the adjoining areas of Dev-Baloda, they built a lot of ponds. It is believed to have built around 13^th Century A.D.

Religious Importance:

The Shiv temple of Dev-Baloda holds great importance in the surrounding areas, as they had great faith in Lord Shiva and here, a big fair occurs on the occasion of Maha-shiv-raatri. 

Art and Sculpture:

This temple’s front is east facing. This temple has a shivling of around 1.5 feet. The front chamber of this temple gives an impression of square like formation calles as Navranga Mandapa. The different style of encarvings of Gods and Goddess can be observed on the pillars of this temple. The roof of the garbha-griha is quite surprising as it gives the impression of a dome-less structure from outer view, but inner view of the roof gives a bit of dome or pyramid like impression in our first view. Probably the Shikhara has been built in Nagar Style.

  Picture: Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple (Front View)

  Picture: Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple (View of Garbh-Griha)

The Shiv-linga in the Garbh-Griha can be reached through a highly ornate door-entrance guarded by Shaiv-Dwarpals accompanied by other attendants like Ganeshji in the top(lalatbimba) of entrance. The front chamber (Mandapa) pillars have been designed by the carvings of  Mahisasur-mardini, musicians, Bhairava, Shiv, Tripuraantak Venugopal, dancers and keertimukh designs. 

 

Picture: Entrance of Garbh-griha

 picture: Wall carvings of Mandapa

The exterior of this temple is decorated by carvings of Gajas, Horses and Naras and other than these, there are many carvings of Gods and Goddesses likes Mahisasur-mardini, Vaman Avtar of Vishnu, Virat Avtar of Vishnu, Gajantakshiva, Varaah Avtar, Radhe-krishna, Narsimha, Ganesh, Laxmi and a couple of erotic encarvings.

 picture: External Wall decorations/carvings

 picture: External Wall decorations/carvings

 

  picture: External Wall decorations/carvings

 This temple also has a rectangular pond beside, which in ancient times believed as formation of ponds and lakes near temple, leading to salvation. 

  picture: Pond inside Temple Boundary

The temple courtyard has a store-house like shed too where collection of antique idols which has been excavated from this place, but get broken down during excavation have been placed and is worshipped with equal dedication. The front of this temple has Nandi placed just infront of temple entrance.

 picture: External Shed with broken statues

Pic: Nandi Placed in front of the temple entrance

As this temple is well maintained by archeological department, the temple is available for visit in all seasons of a year.

Conclusion:

Near Bhilai, the Steel City of Chhattisgarh, this temple gives gives you a combo of technology meets art and sculpture. So far  from noisy  and polluted area, if you wanna visit any divine religious place near Bhilai and Raipur, do visit Dev-Baloda Shiv Temple.

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