Majholi Vishnu Varaha Temple- Madhya Pradesh

Address

Majholi Vishnu Varaha Temple- Majholi, Madhya Pradesh 483336

Diety

Vishnu Varaha

Introduction

The Vishnu Varaha Temple in Majholi Village, Majholi Taluk, Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India, is a significant religious and historical site dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The Vishnu Varaha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The temple is located in Majholi Village, within Majholi Taluk in the Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has designated the Vishnu Varaha Temple as a “Monument of National Importance.”

Puranic Significance

The original Vishnu Varaha Temple is believed to have been constructed during the 11th century CE, dating back to the Kalachuri period. It enshrines an image of Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The sanctum doorway follows the Kalachuri architectural style. The lintel of the doorway features a central image of four-armed Vishnu seated in a Yoga posture, flanked by depictions of the Navagrahas (nine celestial entities representing celestial bodies). The door jambs of the sanctum doorway have three bands of decoration. The middle band contains three niches housing apsaras (celestial nymphs) depicted in various postures. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the base of the door jamb. The sanctum itself has a square plan and enshrines a large image of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This image is similar to those found in other historical sites like Eran and Khajuraho. A serpent is depicted between the legs of Varaha, holding a vessel and accompanied by his wife, who also holds a vessel. The body of the Varaha image is adorned with depictions of various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon, celestial beings, and sages, adding to the richness of the sculpture. Several sculptures belonging to the Kalchuri era, including depictions of Ganesha, Vaishnavi, Uma Maheshvara, and Vishnu, can be observed on the external walls of the sanctum. The Vishnu Varaha Temple in Majholi Village stands as a historical and artistic treasure, showcasing the craftsmanship and religious devotion of the Kalachuri period.

Special Features

The unique temple has an elephantine Varaha (boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu) behind a life sized idol of God Vishnu in Yogasana. The temple also enshrines idols of Ganesha, Kali, Hanuman.