Asta Aashta Kali Mandir, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Asta Aashta Kali Mandir, Asta Village, Barghat Tehsil, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh – 480667

Diety

Amman: Kali

Introduction

The Ashta Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is located in Asta Village within the Barghat Tehsil of the Seoni District in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Puranic Significance

The Ashta Kali Temple complex has a rich history and architectural significance.

Historical Background:

The Ashta Kali Temple complex was built in the 13th century by King Mahadeva of the Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri. This historical context connects the temple to a royal lineage.
The complex originally had eight temples, which is why the place came to be known as “Ashta,” meaning “eight” in Sanskrit. However, today, only ruins and foundations of these temples remain.

Legend:

According to local legend, the temple was believed to have been constructed in a single night due to the blessing of Goddess Durga. As the locals noticed the temple’s rapid construction, work on it stopped, and the temple remained incomplete. Architectural fragments from that period are still scattered around the temple complex.

Architectural Style:

The temples in the complex are built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, which is known for its unique features and aesthetic appeal.
The main temple consists of a sanctum, vestibule, sabha mandapa (assembly hall), and mukha mandapa (front hall). The sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa have been mostly lost, with only the foundations remaining. The sanctum and vestibule are still intact.
The vestibule features a superstructure called sukhanasi, which is a shorter extension of the main tower.
The sanctum, though currently empty, once housed an image of the ten-armed Goddess Kali in the southern niche, serving as the presiding deity and giving the temple its name.
The shikara (tower) of the temple is crowned with an amalaka, an architectural element commonly used in Hindu temple design.
There are other temples in the complex, including one dedicated to Lord Shiva, with idols of Parvati Devi and Nandi.
The complex consists of five known temples, with the sixth temple housing damaged Nandi idols, and the identity and condition of the remaining two temples remain a mystery.

Historical Significance:

Historians suggest that the temple complex may have been desecrated by the Mughals at some point in history, which could explain the damaged state of some of the temple structures.
The Ashta Kali Temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

The Ashta Kali Temple complex is a site of great historical and religious significance, attracting visitors and devotees interested in exploring its rich heritage and architectural marvels.