Bastar Dodrepal Temple – Chhattisgarh

Address

Bastar Dodrepal Temple – Chhattisgarh

Mavleebhata, Dodrepal

Bastar District,

Chhattisgarh 494442

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

The Dodrepal Temple in Chhattisgarh is a place of historical and religious significance, particularly for its association with Lord Shiva and Vishwakarma, the divine architect.

Puranic Significance:

• The Dodrepal Temple is believed to have been built around the 11th century CE during the reign of the Nagavanshi Kings. It holds historical and religious significance in the region.
• According to local legends, Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, is said to have constructed three temples at this sacred site, dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. The Dodrepal Temple, specifically, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Architectural and Historical Features:

• The Dodrepal Temple is a protected monument in Chhattisgarh, declared as such by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• The temple complex originally consisted of three temples, each of similar height. While two of these temples have remained intact over the years, the third temple is lost to time, with only remnants remaining on the premises.
• The architectural style of these temples follows the Nagara style, known for its ornate and intricate design.
• One of the temples houses a Shiva Linga within a circular Yonipitha, and a sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Parvati sitting on Nandi can be found on the sanctum wall behind the Lingam.
• Among the remains of the third temple, there is a massive carving of Vishwakarma, the God of art and sculpture in Hindu mythology, standing approximately 22 feet in height. This makes it the only Vishwakarma temple in the Bastar region.

Lost Idol:

• There was once an idol of Goddess Danteshwari within the complex, measuring around 4.5 feet in height, but it has unfortunately been lost to time.

Festival:

• Maghi Purnima is a significant festival celebrated at this temple with great enthusiasm and fanfare, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

The Dodrepal Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and architectural significance that provides valuable insights into the region’s rich history and cultural tradition.             

Century/Period

11th Century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Mavlibhata

Nearest Railway Station

Bade Arapur Station

Nearest Airport

Jagdalpur

Location on Map

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