Barsur Battisa Temple, Chhattisgarh

Address

Barsur Battisa Temple, Barsur, Chhattisgarh 494441

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Battisa Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Barsur Town in Dantewada District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple is situated on jagdalpur to Bhopalpatnam route.

Puranic Significance

According to the inscriptions found within the temple, the two temples, Someshwara and Gangadeshwara, were constructed in the year 1209 AD (corresponding to Shaka Samvat 1130) by Ganga Mahadevi, the Queen of Nagavanshi ruler Someshwara Deva. This historical information provides valuable insights into the temple’s origins and the patronage of Queen Ganga Mahadevi during that period.

Special Features

The name “Battisa” in Hindi literally translates to “32 pillared temple.” This town is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, and one of its prominent temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to inscriptions found in the temple, there are two pavilions where the king and queen separately worshiped Lord Shiva. Within these pavilions, two sacred Shiva Lingas are enshrined, and a statue of Nandi, the bull associated with Shiva, is placed in the front pavilion. The Battisa Temple holds a significant place as a revered pilgrimage site in Chhattisgarh, known for its unique appearance and ancient sculptures. It stands out as one of the rare Shiva temples with two garbhagrihas (sanctum sanctorum), making it an exceptional religious site in the region. Barsur is located on the banks of Indravati River. It is a unique Temple having two sanctum sanctorum. The Temple is protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.