Madku Dweep Shiva Temple - Chhattisgarh

Address

Madku Dweep Shiva Temple – Madku Dweep, Thelki, Chhattisgarh 493118

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

The Madku Dweep Shiva Temple, situated in Shivnath, Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, is an ancient and picturesque temple complex on Madku Dweep, which is named after the frog-like shape of the island.

Location: The Madku Dweep Shiva Temple is located on Madku Dweep, which has an area of around 24 hectares. The island is lush with greenery, and it’s home to several ancient temples and unique idols dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Shiv-Parvati, Nandi, and various other deities.

Architectural Significance: The Madku Dweep complex houses a total of 19 temples. Eighteen of these temples face east, while the central temple is the only one that faces west. The architectural style of these temples, as well as the sculptures and idols, is believed to be similar to that of the Great Kalchuris.

Puranic Significance: The site of the Madku Dweep complex was discovered in the late 20th century. Excavations at the site revealed the debris of old temples and sculptures of spiritual significance. The material unearthed from the site was reused to construct the 19 east-facing and one west-facing small-sized red sandstone temples, which stand close to each other in a straight line. These structures are believed to be affiliated with the Ratanpur kings of the Kalachuri period. In addition to these excavated structures, new shrines dedicated to Shiva, Harihara (Jalahari), Radha-Krishna, and Rishi Mandku were also constructed, incorporating the excavated material into their design. The site has been developed into a holy place rather than just a historical site, and it’s named after Saint Madku.

Festivals: Madku Dweep is a site of religious significance and is host to festivals like Mahashivratri and Hanuman Jayanti, which are celebrated with great devotion. Additionally, a seven-day mela (fair) takes place in the month of Paosh Purnima, attracting pilgrims and visitors.

The Madku Dweep Shiva Temple complex is not only a place of historical and archaeological interest but also an important spiritual destination, where devotees gather to celebrate various festivals and offer their prayers.