Chamorshi Markandeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Chamorshi Markandeshwar Temple, Maharashtra

Chamorshi,

Sakhari, Gadchiroli District,

Maharashtra 442603

Moolavar

Markandeshwar

Introduction

The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple is Located at the bank of the sacred Wainganga River in Markanda village in Gadchiroli district, the ancient temple complex of Markandeshwar is popularly called as the ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha’. Titled by historians and architects as the ‘Most Picturesque Temple Complex’, the iconic Markanda Mahadev Temple is steeped in spirituality, heritage and culture.

This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, the Markanda name is derived from the Markandeya rishi of Haryana who was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He went into penance for years on the banks of Markanda River and finally tried to offer his head to Shiva when Shiva appeared and stopped him. He blessed him with a temple in his name. This temple complex is spread over 40 acres of land and many temples are in a dilapidated condition. The construction is attributed to the Rashtrakuta dynasty which there from the 8th to the 12th century.

There are many intricate idols (murtis) on the outer walls of this temple complex.

Puranic Significance

This temple complex built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture between the 8th – 12th centuries originally had twenty-four structures though only six are open to the public now. Archaeological finds at both Chamorshi and Markanda suggest this place was a prosperous trade centre in the ancient times. Markanda derives its name from Markandeya Maharshi who is said to have come to this sacrosanct place to seek the blessings of Lord Mahadev.

Locals say that Hemadri Pandit or Hemadapanta, the famous Sanskrit scholar and trusted minister of the Yadavas of Devagiri had darshan of Chiranjeevi Vibhishana who was troubled by illness at this place. Moved by the plight of Vibhishana, Hemadri cured him and was offered a boon for his services. Hemadapanta asked for the aid of the rakshasas to build temples. Vibhishana agreed on the condition that they were to work only for one night at a time. It is said that this how Hemadapanta successfully built splendid temples at Markanda, Bhandak, Neri and other places.

The Nagara style of architecture seen in this temple complex is similar to the temples built by the Chandelas in Khajuraho and other places. No inscriptions have been found in the temple complex to mark the exact date of construction. The largest and most elaborately sculpted temple of the group is dedicated to Markandeya Maharshi and Lord Shiva. Unfortunately, this temple was struck down by lightning about 250 years ago and the upper part of the shikharafell on the roof of the mahamandapa. Another smaller temple in this complex was completely destroyed. The Gonds later repaired the temple adding massive piers and arches to support the structure.

The group of twenty-four temples is enclosed in a quadrangle (around 60 meters by 36 meters) with three entrances on the river side, front and sides. All the temple facades are richly decorated with scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharat, Puranas, Dasha Avatar, dancers, animal figures, musicians, Gods and Goddesses, sages and lions and elephants breaking the continuity of bands of human figures. Predominantly, the panels have Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi in their myriad sublime forms. Experts say that there are about 409 sculptures in all whose beauty is unparalleled. Four ornamented pillars support the roof of the mahamandapa of the main temple and a lofty shikhararises above the sanctum sanctorum.