Where is Mahadev Temple Deobaloda located?

The Mahadev Temple is located in a small village named Deobaloda in the Bhilai Charoda region of the Durg district in Chhattisgarh.

What is the significance of Mahadev Temple Deobaloda?

It is an ancient temple of the 13th century that holds spiritual significance and has an architectural style from the Kalchuri Period.

Is photography allowed inside the Mahadev Temple Deobaloda?

As the temple is located in a remote region, you can take photographs; however, it is suggested that you get a permit before capturing the pictures.

Witnessing The Oldest Mahadev Temple In Deobaloda Chattisgarh

India is a country with cultural diversity and different religions, and one of the largest communities follow Hinduism. They worship Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, and more. Speaking about Lord Shiva, have you been to the Mahadev Temple in Deobaloda of Chhattisgarh state, which is said to be one of the oldest Temples in India. Let’s find out more about this ancient place.

About Mahadev Temple In Deobaloda

The Mahadev Temple in Deobaloda is one of the oldest temples located in Deobaloda village of Bhilai Charoda of Durg district in Chhattisgarh. The name “Mahadev” is another name for Lord Shiva. We can say that the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and belongs to the Kalchuri Period. The Mahadev Temple is under the protection of the Archeological Society of India. During Mahashivaratri, the temple is crowded with devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, and small events take place during this festival.

History Of Mahadev Temple In Deobaloda

Suppose you look into the history of Mahadev Temple in Deobaloda. In that case, the past of this village is described by Alexander Cunningham in 1882. He stated that the Mahadev temple, connected with another temple of Arang, was built by the same architect, and there are some stories related to the Mahadev Temple. One story says that the temple was built in a continuous process, including nights, and hence was constructed within six months. That’s why the temple is also known as Chhahmasi Mandir or Six Months Temple. However, there is no such contemporary proof that tells the timing of construction.

Another history of Mahadev Temple in Deobaloda is related to the engrossed sculptor; legends believe that there was a sculptor who was so dedicated and engrossed in his work that he didn’t care about anything else, he even used to forget about his clothes. While working day and night with a complete focus, his clothes were worn out and torn away eventually, and he became naked.

The sculptor’s wife used to bring food for him. Still, one day, she asked his sister to take the food for him as the sculptor’s wife was busy with other work, and she brought the food to Kalash; as he saw his sister approaching, he got humiliated and climbed onto the roof of the temple and jumped into the tank of the temple which is known as Kund to hide.

Seeing her brother jumping into the Kund, she believed her brother died; due to the guilt, the sculptor’s sister jumped into the nearby pond. It is said that whenever the water level goes down, Kalash is found above the water surface. Another story states that there is a tunnel inside the Kund that connects the temple of Aarang, and when he jumped in, he found the tunnel and went through it. He emerged in Aarang Temple and turned into a statue of stone.

The Architecture Of Deobaloda Temple

Let’s look at the architecture of Deobaloda Charoda Shiv Mandir. It is made of red sandstone facing the east, which was made in the Nagar style of architecture, with a Sanctum or Garbhagriha and a Mandapam located at the front. The temple is supported by four main pillars with one roof. In the Nagar style of architecture, there is no Shikhara; hence, the temple doesn’t have its Shikhara. Whenever you look at the front of the temple, you will find a mandapam where Nandi is facing the entrance. There is another entrance from the tank side as well.

The temple has intricate carvings of Bhairava, Vishnu, Durga, and Lord Shiva, as well as Kirtimukha and dancers. On the entrance gate, there are other carvings of Lord Ganesha, Dwarpals, and other deities, including floral carvings, creepers, and snakes. In the garbhagriha, there is a tall shivling in the centre with two cobras standing beside it. Behind the linga, there are idols of other deities, such as Hanuman, Ganesha, and Jagannath, in the inner walls of the temple.

The Best Time To Visit Mahadev Temple Deobaloda

As we know, the Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The best time to visit Mahadev Temple Deobaloda is said to be during the festive season of Mahashivratri when you will find the temple a bit crowded. It has various fests and fairs accompanied by the festival.

Places To Visit Near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda

You have explored everything in Mahadev Temple and are looking for some other places in the Durg region. Then, there are some areas that you can opt for

1. Ganga Maiya Temple

At a distance of 60km from Bhilai, you will find the Ganga Maiya Temple, which is located in the Jhalmala region. Legends believe that there was a fisherman who found an idol in his net but was unable to take it, and later on, there was a villager who belonged to the same village who had a dream to bring the idol. He retrieved it and kept it in a hut, and then it was converted into a temple by Bhikam Chand Tiwari. The Ganga Maiya Temple is one of the best places to visit near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda.

2. Shree Uvassaggaharam Parshwa Tirth, Nagpura

Shree Uvasaggaharam Parshwa Tirth Nagpura is one of the best places to visit near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda, which is situated on the banks of River Sheonath. It is a Jain shrine that was built in 1995. The main attraction of this temple is the main gate, which is 30 feet tall and bears an idol of Lord Parshwanath.

Restaurants Near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda

As the temple is in the interior, you have to look for the restaurants nearby; here are some of them.

1. Hotel Tulsi, Durg

On the MG road of Durg, you can visit the Hotel Tusli, which is one of the best restaurants near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda, located at a distance of 18 km. It is known for its multi-cuisine servings, such as Chinese and Continental Dishes.

2. Sagar Ratna Restaurant, Durg

Suppose you are looking for a vegetarian restaurant. In that case, you can opt for Sagar Ratna Restaurant in Durg, which is one of the best restaurants near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda, and it is approximately 19 km from the temple. This restaurant is known for its vegetarian dishes and South Indian cuisine.

Hotels Near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda

While Deobaloda is a village, there may not be any hotels, so you have to search for hotels in nearby areas such as Durgi. Here are some of them

1. Hotel 36 Inn, Durg

Suppose you are looking for a place that offers a luxury experience within your budget. In that case, you can opt for Hotel 36 Inn in Durg, which is one of the best hotels near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda. This hotel is known for its value-for-money services.

2. The Roman Park, Durg

Another hotel that you can visit is The Roman Park, which has one of the best hotels near Mahadev Temple Deobaloda. This hotel is known for its premium rooms and other amenities.

Conclusion:

Whether you are a typical tourist or a history and heritage enthusiast, the Mahadev Temple is a fascinating Shiva Temple built in ancient times and has a spiritual significance. So whenever you are in Chhattisgarh, remember to visit the Deobaloda Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The 13th Century Mahadev Temple In Deobaloda