Khapri Kukurdev Temple – Chhattisgarh

Address

 Khapri Kukurdev Temple – Chhattisgarh

Dudhali, Durg District,

Chhattisgarh 491226

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

 The Kukurdev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a dog, is located in Khapri Village near Balod in the Durg District of Chhattisgarh, India.

Historical Background:

• The Kukurdev Temple was built by local rulers in the 14th – 15th century CE.

Local Folklore:

• According to local folklore, there was a gypsy named Malighori who lived in the area with his faithful dog. During a famine, Malighori offered his dog as collateral to a moneylender due to his financial difficulties. The dog later helped the moneylender recover stolen belongings, and the moneylender, in gratitude, forgave all of Malighori’s debts.
• The moneylender wrote a letter to Malighori, appreciating the dog’s help and forgiving his debts. He fastened the letter to the dog’s neck and sent the dog to deliver it to Malighori.
• Tragically, Malighori, unaware of the letter’s contents, beat the dog severely upon its return, causing the dog’s death. After discovering the letter, Malighori was filled with sorrow and remorse.
• To honor the memory of his beloved dog, Malighori decided to construct the Kukur Samadhi (memorial) within the temple courtyard. Over time, someone placed a statue of a dog at the site, which has now become the Kukurdev Temple.

Special Features:

• The east-facing temple houses an idol of a dog alongside a Shiva Linga. Visiting this temple is believed to provide protection from coughs and dog bites.
• The temple’s architecture follows the Nagara Style. Idols of dogs are placed on both sides of the temple entrance.
• Inside the sanctum, there is an idol of a dog positioned beside a Shiva Linga. Both Shiva and the dog, known as Kukurdev, are revered in a similar manner to how Nandi is revered in traditional Shiva temples.
• Within the temple premises, you can also find shrines and idols dedicated to Rama, Lakshmana, Shatrugna, Hanuman, Ganesha, as well as hero stones, adding to the cultural and religious significance of the temple.

National Importance:

• The Kukurdev Temple has been designated as a site of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

The temple’s unique blend of history and devotion to a dog showcases the diversity of religious traditions and beliefs found in India.

Century/Period

14th – 15th century.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Balod

Nearest Railway Station

Balod Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Raipur

Location on Map

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