Chandpur Sahastralingeshwar Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Chandpur Sahastralingeshwar Temple, Chandpur, Jahajpur, Lalitpur Uttar Pradesh 284403

Diety

Sahastralingeshwar

Introduction

The Sahastralingeshwar Temple, situated within the Chandpur Group of Temples in Chandpur Village, Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a significant and historically rich temple complex. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, with various other deities also being worshipped. Here are the key features of the Sahastralingeshwar Temple and the temple complex:

Dedication to Lord Shiva:

The Sahastralingeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
This temple complex holds a special feature related to Lord Shiva, as it houses a Sahasra Linga, which comprises a thousand miniature lingas carved on a single Linga, symbolizing the multifaceted forms of Shiva.

Temple Group Overview:

The Chandpur Group of Temples in which the Sahastralingeshwar Temple is located consists of various ancient temples.
These temples are dedicated to a range of deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.
The entire temple group is recognized as a protected monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Architecture and Layout:

The Sahastralingeshwar Temple is the largest temple within this group, and it is oriented to face east.
The temple complex is situated on the banks of a tank, providing a serene and picturesque setting.
The Sahastralingeshwar Temple comprises a sanctum and a mukha mandapa (front hall), with a spacious sanctum that houses the Sahasra Linga.
The Sahasra Linga is a unique representation of Shiva and is adorned with a thousand miniature lingas, each representing a facet of the deity.
Four projecting figures, likely representing deities or guardian figures, are placed at each of the four directions surrounding the Sahasra Linga.
Devotees have the space to circumambulate the sanctum, allowing them to perform ritualistic walk-arounds as a form of worship.
The lintel above the sanctum doorway bears a relief of Lord Nataraja, an iconic form of Shiva as the cosmic dancer.

Other Shrines in the Complex:

The temple complex also includes additional shrines. There is a flat-roofed shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma, with a porch.
Within this Brahma shrine, there is a seated image of Lord Brahma with his consort, along with a central figure in the lintel that represents Lord Vishnu with his consort.
Another shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, although only the porch of this shrine remains.

The Sahastralingeshwar Temple, with its unique Sahasra Linga and intricate architectural features, reflects the rich religious and cultural heritage of the region. It’s a place of significance for devotees and those interested in the historical and artistic aspects of temple architecture. The ASI’s recognition and preservation efforts aim to protect these invaluable monuments for future generations.