Sohagpur Sri Virateshwara Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Sohagpur Sri Virateshwara Temple, Sohagpur, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh 484001

Diety

Sri Virateshwara

Introduction

The Virateshwara Temple in Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important historical and religious site. The Virateshwara Temple is situated in Sohagpur, which is a town located in the Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh, India. Sohagpur is situated on the Shahdol to Rewa route.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities. It has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Puranic Significance

The Virateshwara Temple in Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh, has a rich historical and architectural heritage. Here’s some additional information about the temple:

Construction Period and Builders:

The temple is believed to have been constructed between 950 and 1050 CE.
While some sources attribute the construction to Maharaja Yuvraj of the Kalchuri Dynasty, others suggest it may have been built by Karna Deva of the Kalachuri Dynasty (1041-1073 CE).

Architectural Features:

The temple is oriented towards the east and is built on a low raised platform.
It consists of several key parts, including the sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa, and ardha mandapa.
The shikara (tower) is a prominent feature of the temple, and it is connected to a lower protrusion tower known as the Sukanasi, which houses an image of Nataraja.
The maha mandapa likely had a pyramidal tower over it, and the lower portion of its outer wall is adorned with sculptures.
Balcony-type arrangements can be found on the southern side of the mandapa, and there is a window on the northern side.
The ardha mandapa may have been added to the original structure at a later date.
The sanctum is square in plan and enshrines a Shiva Linga. It is crowned with a nagara-style shikara with miniature shikaras over it, and the main shikara is approximately 125 feet tall.
The exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with three rows of sculptures.