Malhar Pataleshwar Temple, Chhattisgarh

Address

Malhar Pataleshwar Temple Malhar, Chhattisgarh 495551

Diety

Pataleshwar

Introduction

Pataleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Malhar Town in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Puranic Significance

The construction of this temple is dated to around 1167-1168 A.D. This period corresponds to the reign of Jajalladeva II from the Haihaya Dynasty. Architecturally, the temple is built on a high platform and features a square sanctum (inner chamber) and a Mandapa (pillared hall). This historical context provides valuable insights into the temple’s age and the dynasty responsible for its construction.

Special Features

The epigraphical record discovered at the site of this temple provides valuable historical information. The temple, known as Kedareshwar, was dedicated to Lord Kedar, another form of Lord Shiva. It was built by a Brahmin named Somraj, who hailed from the town of Kumhati. This temple has been accorded national importance and is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act of 1958. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temple faces west and is accessible via a flight of steps. The Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) houses a Shivalinga, which is positioned at a lower level than the Mandapa (pillared hall) and can be reached via steps. During archaeological excavations, ancient deposits and Jain memorials were also discovered at this site. Notably, the temple’s Doorjamb is of particular interest. It features depictions of images of Ganga and Yamuna, as well as Dvarapala (guardian deities), on its outer side. On the inner side, intricate and beautiful images of Lord Shiva and other Saivite deities are intricately carved. The presence of the Shivalinga at a lower level within the temple likely inspired the temple’s name, Pataleshwar Mahadev temple.