Chomho Chaumukha Mahadev Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Address

Chomho Chaumukha Mahadev Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Chomho Village,

Ater Tehsil, Bhind District,

Madhya Pradesh 477111

Moolavar

Mahadeva

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Chomho Village, Ater Tehsil, Bhind District, Madhya Pradesh, India, on the southern banks of the Chambal River.
• The temple is recognized as a state-protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Legacy: The Chaumukha Mahadeva Temple has a rich heritage dating back to the 10th century CE during the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty.
• Original Construction:
  • Built during the 10th century CE by the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty, the temple showcases the architectural and cultural legacy of that period.
• Destruction and Reconstruction:
  • The original structure was destroyed over time. A new temple was built on the same site, and the Shiva Linga from the original temple was preserved and installed in the new structure.
  • This practice of preserving and reinstalling sacred elements is common in Hindu temple architecture during renovations or reconstructions.
• Temple Orientation:
  • The temple faces east, following the common alignment in Hindu temple architecture.

Architectural Features

• Two Main Sections:
  • The temple consists of two key components: the sanctum and the mukha mandapa (front hall).
• Nandi Statue:
  • In front of the mukha mandapa, there is a Nandi (sacred bull) statue facing the sanctum, a typical feature of Shiva temples.
• Main Deity:
  • Inside the sanctum, a four-faced Shiva Linga is enshrined, symbolizing Lord Shiva in his various aspects.
  • Nandi, the divine bull and mount of Shiva, faces the Linga in reverence.
• Preserved Sculptures:
  • The temple is home to sculptures of various deities that were excavated from the original temple. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the religious and artistic traditions of the era.

Cultural and Religious Importance

• The Chaumukha Mahadeva Temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of cultural preservation and the continuity of religious practices over the centuries. The preservation of the original Shiva Linga and the reconstruction of the temple highlight the reverence for sacred sites and deities in Hindu tradition.

Century/Period

10th century CE

Nearest Bus Station

Ater

Nearest Railway Station

Itehar Station

Nearest Airport

Gwalior

Location on Map

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