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.
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 9th 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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