Kamakandla Fort Shiva Temple Madhya Pradesh

Address

Kamakandla Fort Shiva Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Bilhari Village,

Rithi Tehsil, Katni District, Madhya Pradesh 483501

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

Kamakandla Fort Shiva Temple is located in the Kamakandla fort, Bilhari village, Rithi Tehsil, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh. This temple is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

This fort like temple structure was built in the early to mid-10th century according to a large inscription found on a rock that is currently housed in The Nagpur Central Museum. There is a majestic statue of Lord Hanuman at the entrance of the fort with an old step well to the right that has never run out of water till date. There are three buildings in the premises that are in ruins though its high walls and viewing galleries have managed to survive.

The Shiva Temple built within this complex is an excellent example of the architectural mastery of the Kalachuris. It is an unusually tall structure with interesting detailing on the external facades. Unfortunately, the pillared mandapa has since disappeared and only the garbha griha remains. Even the Shiva Linga has been lost or desecrated with the Shakti Peetam (Yoni).

The temple and fort complex have the most exquisite sculptures, carvings on pillars and ceilings of its time. A sizeable portion of the fort is under renovation and many ancient scriptures have been kept in the fort for safekeeping. Locals say that this place used to be called ‘Tapasi Math’. Perhaps, it was a seat of learning and knowledge at that time but there is very little evidence of that. This is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).