Janjgir Shiva Temple - Chhattisgarh

Address

Janjgir Shiva Temple – Chhattisgarh

Janjgir, Janjgir – Champa District

Chhattisgarh 495668

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Janjgir Shiva Temple, situated in Janjgir Town, Janjgir – Champa District, Chhattisgarh, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Historical and Puranic Significance:

Janjgir, known as Jajallapura in ancient times, was founded by the Kalchuri King Jajalladeva I in the 12th century CE, as indicated by the Ratanpur inscription. Hence, the temple is attributed to Kalchuri King Jajalladeva I.

Legend of the Bheema-Vishwakarma Competition:

An intriguing legend is associated with the temple, involving a competition between Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, and Vishwakarma, the divine architect. The competition was to build a temple, with Bheema partnering with an elephant.
During the competition, Bheema’s tools accidentally fell into a water tank, leading to his loss to Vishwakarma. In his frustration, Bheema is said to have split the elephant into two. This legend explains the presence of a broken elephant idol in the temple premises.
This story adds a unique and colorful aspect to the temple’s history, showcasing the rich tapestry of Hindu legends and traditions.

Architectural Features:

The Janjgir Shiva Temple follows the Nagara architectural style and is among the protected historical sites in Chhattisgarh, designated as such by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple comprises a front porch and a sanctum. The primary entrance is adorned with depictions of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna and guardian deities known as Dvarapalas.
Inside the sanctum, there is a Shiva Lingam. The door lintel features Lord Shiva at the center, flanked by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu at the extremes, with the Navagrahas positioned between them.
The second slab of the lintel features Lord Shiva in the Nataraja pose. There are two niches on each side, housing sculptures of various deities and forms, including Kartikeya, Ganesha, Chamunda, Gajasamharamurti, Harihara Veenadhara, and others.

The Janjgir Shiva Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site of historical and architectural significance, enriched by the colorful legends that surround it.