Ramgarh Bhand Devara Temple, Rajasthan

Address

Ramgarh Bhand Devara Temple, Bansthuni, Rajasthan 325216

Diety

Shiva Amman: Kisnai and Annapurna

Introduction

The main Bhand Deva Temple or Bhand Devara Temple is situated on the banks of a pond in the centre of the 4 km wide Ramgarh crater about 40 km from the city of Baran, Rajasthan. It is located near Ramgarh village, Mangrol, Baran district of Eastern Rajasthan.

Puranic Significance

The main Shiva temple was constructed in the style of Khajuraho Group of Monuments and is known as ‘Little Khajuraho.’ Up a flight of more than 750 stairs are two related temples located in a cave on Ramgarh Hill and dedicated to the goddesses Kisnai and Annapurna (Annapoorna devi). The stairs are said to have been constructed by Jhala Jalim (or Zalim) Singh (a descendant of Madhu Singh Madho Singh I), who ruled as a regent over Jhalawar State from 1771 until the British intervention in 1838. During Kartik Purnima (Kartik Poornima) a fair is organised at this temple for worshiping the two goddesses. The site is now protected by the State Archaeological Department. This temple dedicated to Tantric tradition of Saivism is a noteworthy example of Nagar style temple. As the inscriptions state, it was built in the 10th century by Raja Malaya Verma of Nag dynasty of Malwa as a memorial of his victory over his enemies and as a tribute showing his gratitude to Lord Shiva whom he held in esteem. With the passage of time in 1162 A.D., the edifice was renovated by Raja Trisna Verma of Med dynasty. But now the temple is completely ruins State. This temple gives very unique and different offerings of Prasad like deities here is worshipped with sweets and dry fruits.