Bhoramdeo
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Bhoramdeo
Where soulful poetry comes alive in architecture… Enveloped by picturesque surroundings of the Maikal mountain ranges and dense green forests, the Bhoramdeo Temple is carved on rocky stone in Nagar style. An artistic blend of religious and erotic sculptures, the 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh', was built in the 11th century AD (approximately in the year 1089).
History tells us that this wonderfully sculpted temple was created in name of the revered God of the Gond tribes, Lord Bhoramdeo. Originally the name of Lord Shiva, Bhoramdeo became a famous name for this artistic wonder. Among all the temples constructed during the Rajput period in Chhattisgarh, the Bhoramdeo Temple built by Shri Laxman Dev Rai is considered to be the most exclusively crafted. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Bhoramdeo Temple is a special attraction for lovers of history and archaeology. A beautiful statue of a 'yogi' in the temple's 'Mandapa' bears inscriptions that reveal its mystery. The inscriptions also tell us that the temple was built during the time of Shri Gopaldev of the famous Nagvanshi dynasty.
An epitome of eternal love and beauty, the Bhoramdeo Temple boasts of 54 erotic sculptures on the outer walls. However, the main temple here has two parts, one known as the Ishtika Temple and the other completely carved out of stone. With a beautiful backdrop spread behind its enthralling architecture, the main Bhoramdeo Temple is rich in scenic beauty with a tranquil lake in front of it. Constructed on a five feet high platform, the temple boasts of a sprawling Garbha Griha (God's residence), Mandap (shelter), and Antraal (passage).
Facing the east, the Bhoramdeo Temple has entry doors from all directions except the west. The Mandapa is supported by a total of 16 pillars, each unique with beautiful motifs and mudras carved into it. Similarly, crafted with equal passion, the brick-structured temple also has Garbha Grihas. There is an open projected wall called the 'Allinda'. The Grabha Griha provides a royal, stone-carved welcome andis supported by one centre pillar and three adjoining pillars. Sacrosanct Shivlingas are installed inside the temple along with idols of Uma-Maheshwar, and the king and queen stand as worshippers in reverenceof the great Gods.
The pinnacle of the temple is to be observed keenly and can be traced to look like a blooming lotus flower. The Shivlinga inside the Bhoramdeo Temple is not just a portrayal of devotion and faith but a reflection of the sculptor's remarkable skill and passion. The Bhoramdeo Temple draws similarities to the Konark Temple and the famous Khajuraho Temples. Beautiful sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, dancers, musical instruments etc are a reflection of life at that time.
Some of the sculptures are dramatically created and a lot of imagination has been poured into the making of an art that feels extremely life-like and real. Located amidst whispering farms is the 'Mandwa Mahal', just half a kilometer away from the Bhoramdeo Temple. This historic monument is known as a marriage memorial crafted to celebrate the union of Nagvanshi King, Ramchandra and Haihayavanshi Queen, Ambika Devi. The word 'Mandwa' originates from the local dialect and is synonymous to a marriage pandal. A beautiful Shiva temple in reality, it is called as the 'Mandwa Mahal' due to its shape like that of a marriage pandal. An example of architectural mastery, itwas built by the Nagvanshi emperor Ramchandra Deo in 1349 A.D. Just a stroll away from the Bhoramdeo Temple is another Shiva temple called the 'Cherki Mahal'.
This temple is built in memory of the ‘Chervahas' or shepherds, during the Nagvanshi empire's reign. The Garbha Griha of this temple also flaunts a beautiful Shivlinga and the brick structures and formations are very similar to other brick temples crafted in the same era.
Accommodation: The Tourism Board has established a shelter and resort for the convenience of travelers in Kawardha (17 Km).
How to reach
By Air
Raipur (134 Kms) is the nearest airport connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Viskhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
Raipur is the nearest Railway station on the Bombay-Howrah main line.
By Road
Taxis are available from Kawardha (18 Kms). Regular Buses ply from Raipur (116 Kms.), Rajnandgaon (133 Kms.) and Jabalpur (220 Kms.) to Kawardha. For more information call Toll Free # 1800-102-6415
CHHATTISGARH TOURISM BOARD
Head Office: Paryatan Bhawan, G. E. Road, Raipur - 492 006, (C.G.), India, Phone: +91 771 4224600, 4028634, 4028636 Fax: +91 771 4066425.
