Kawardha Bhoramdev Temple, Chhattisgarh

Address

Kawardha Bhoramdev Temple, Kawardha, Kabirdham district Chhattisgarh 491995

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Bhoramdeo a thousand year old temple situated in Chouragaon is 18 km from Kawardha in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh and 125 Km from Raipur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is artificially situated between the mountain ranges, it was built during the period from 7th to 11th century. There is a glimpse of the Khajuraho temple in the temple here, hence this temple is also called “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”.. The complex consists of the Four temples, are in dilapidated structure.

Puranic Significance

The main structure, Bhoramdeo, is dated to the 7th -11th centuries in the reign of a Naga king who perhaps, also patronised the Cherki and Madwa Mahal. The sculpture of a male with an inscription on its pedestal, often recognised as a ‘yogi’ placed inside the mandapa of Bhoramdeo records the name of a Naga king Gopaladev and dates it to the 11th century (1098 CE).

Special Features

The Bhoramdeo is a complex structure manifesting a saptaratha (seven offsets on its walls) plan. It is east-facing. It constitutes of an ardhamandapa (entry-porch), mandapa (hall) with entry porches on the south and north which form kakshasanas (seat-backs), antarala (antechamber) and a garbhagrha (sanctum). The temple built over this platform which measures 60 feet (18 m) x 40 feet (12 m) has the conventional Hindu temple composition of a mandapa (hall), followed by an antral or passage leading to the Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, the main enclosure in the temple where the chief deity, Shiva in form of a Shiva Linga, is deified. The mandapa is square on plan and is supported on four main central pillars, apart from the peripheral pillars. The sanctum sanctorum measures 9 feet (2.7 m)x9 feet (2.7 m). All the three enclosures are linked by passageways. The temple is built facing the eastern direction, where there is an entry door; in addition, there are two more doors which open to the south and north but there is no door in the westerly direction.The three doors have open “half shelters”. Right at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, there are very finely sculpted images of the ten avatars of the god Vishnu, apart from images of Shiva and Ganesha. The towering roof of this garbhagriha is topped by Kalasha, which is circular in shape. The garbhagriha has striking right angled offsets in the north east and southern part which add to the elegance of the temple. There are many small towers which surround the main tower.