Amarkantak Machendranatha Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Amarkantak Machendranatha Temple, Kalachuri Complex, Amarkantak, Anuppur District Madhya Pradesh 484886

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Machendranatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Ancient temples of Kalachuri group, in Amarkantak, a pilgrimage town in Anuppur District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple Complex consists of six temples and a Kund. The Ancient Temples of Kalachuri were built hundreds of years ago by the Kalachuri Maharaja – Karnadeva. There are a number of temples in this complex, with the Pataleshwar Mahadev and Machendranatha Temple being the most important ones. The temple is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

Machendranatha Temple: The temple is believed to be built in 11th century CE by Kalachuri Kings. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of sanctum, vestibule and mandapa. The mandapa is supported on pillars and is covered with parapet walls on either side. The roof of the mandapa is damaged now. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. An image of lion can be seen on top of the sukhanasi. The Sanctum is pancharatha on plan. An image of Ganesha can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. The shikara is crowned with two amalakas and a kalasha.