Durg Sahaspur Shiva Temple - Chhattisgarh

Address

Durg Sahaspur Shiva Temple – Chhattisgarh

Sahaspur, Durg District,

Chhattisgarh 491331

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Sahaspur Shiva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Sahaspur Village in Durg District, Chhattisgarh, India.

Historical Background:

The Sahaspur Shiva Temple dates back to the 13th – 14th century CE and was constructed during the rule of the Phani Nagavanshi Kings.

Legend of the Vanishing Water:

The temple’s legend is associated with a severe famine that affected the surrounding villages, including Sahaspur.
In response to the famine, the villagers decided to perform an anointment ceremony (abhishekam) of the Shiva Linga in the temple’s sanctum on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.
The villagers fetched water from a nearby reservoir to use for the ceremony. However, during the ceremony, an unusual event occurred. When they poured the water onto the Shiva Linga, it mysteriously vanished or absorbed all the water.
The villagers continued to pour water onto the Lingam, but the same miraculous disappearance happened each time.
Realizing their arrogance and futility in attempting to submerge the Shiva Linga in water, the villagers repented and decided to organize a grand fair in honor of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri. They sought His blessings and forgiveness for their actions, and this fair continues to be a significant tradition, celebrating Lord Shiva’s divine grace and benevolence.

Temple Architecture and Features:

The temple complex comprises two separate shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Hanuman. Both temples follow the Nagara Style architectural tradition and face eastward.
The Shiva Temple consists of a sanctum and a fourteen-pillared mandapa. Inside the sanctum, there is a Shiva Linga believed to be Swayambhu (self-originated). The sanctum is situated at a level below the mandapa.
On the external walls of the Shiva Temple, you can find depictions of Nataraja (the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva) and Nardana Vinayaga (Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose).
The Hanuman Temple features a sanctum and an eight-pillared mandapa. Inside the sanctum, there is an idol of Lord Hanuman, although this Hanuman idol is of relatively recent origin.

The legend of the vanishing water and the annual fair associated with this temple add to its historical and cultural significance in the region. This temple showcases the deep reverence and devotion of the local community toward Lord Shiva.