Sri Bhand Deval Temple, Arang

Address

Sri Bhand Dewal Temple Arang, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh 493441

Diety

Ajitanatha, Neminath ,Shreyanasanatha.

Introduction

Arang Jain temples is group of three Jain temples in Arang, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. These temples date back to the 9th and 11th centuries. Bhand Dewal temple, a Jain temple dated to the late eleventh century, is in the Mahakosala area of Arang. The temple is built in Bhumija architecture.The plinth of this temple has detailed ornamentation. It has a socle that supports a pedestal and two rows of sculptures on the wall. The temple layout plan is in a star shape known as stellate (meaning: shaped like a star, having points, or rays radiating from a centre) with six “offsets”. The temple rises to five floors, which is considered an unusual feature.The temple faces west and is in a rundown condition. In the past, a mandapa (an outdoor pavilion) and a porch probably existed as part of the temple. The damaged front fascia of the temple tower has been plastered without any decoration and also whitewashed. The north-east and south-east faces of the temple tower, which were also dilapidated, have been redone in brick and mortar, but crudely. However, the overall view of the tower is still pleasing. At some stage, this temple was used as a survey marking station. The temple has three free-standing large images of Jain tirthankaras deified in the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum.These are carved ornately in black stone and highly polished. The three Tirthankaras are Ajitanatha, Neminath and Shreyanasanatha.