Adbhar Ashtabhuji Temple - Chhattisgarh

Address

Adbhar Ashtabhuji Temple – Chhattisgarh

Adbhar, Janjgir-Champa district,

Chhattisgarh 495695

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Ashtabhuji Temple in Adbhar, Chhattisgarh, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an ancient and historically significant site.

Puranic Significance:

The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old.
It is associated with a fascinating legend about Goddess Ashtabhuji, who is believed to be the daughter of Yashoda, the foster mother of Lord Krishna. As per the tale, Ashtabhuji miraculously escaped the clutches of the tyrant king, Kansa, who intended to harm her. She chose the Vindhya mountain range as her divine abode, highlighting her mystical and divine nature.

Special Features:

The Ashtabhuji Temple, historically known as Ashtadwar, holds significant historical and archaeological importance in Chhattisgarh and is recognized as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple complex, situated on the south-west outskirts of Adbhar town, is now in ruins, with only the stone basement remaining. While the temple originally enshrined a Shiva Linga at its center, it primarily emphasizes the worship of Goddess Ashtabhuji. It is also considered one of the Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Durga.
A unique feature of this temple is the rare, life-sized idol of the eight-armed Goddess Ashtabhuji.
Constructed mainly from sandstone, the temple originally consisted of several components, including a sanctum (garbhagriha), vestibule (antarala), ceremonial hall (mandapa), and Ardhamandapam. Access to these structures was provided by a flight of steps. The temple faced west and had a star-shaped plan.
One of the surviving structures within the complex is the rectangular Nandi mandapa, which stands separately but along the same axis. It is supported by four pillars, adding to the architectural and historical significance of the temple complex.

The Ashtabhuji Temple is a site of great historical, mythological, and architectural importance, preserving the ancient stories and heritage of the region.