The Bhoramdeo temple which has a resemblance with the Sun temple of Konark (Orissa State) and The Khajuraho temple (Madhya Pradesh State), is situated amidst the picturesque surroundings of Maikal mountains and dense forests. The architecture is of the Nagar style and carved on the rocky stones with the religious and erotic sculptures. This temple was built in the period of 7th to 11th century A.D.

The Shiva Linga in the temple is beautifully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. The “Madwa Mahal” (‘Madwa' derived from a word in local dialect synonymous to marriage pandal), 1 KM from the Bhoramdeo temple, is another beautiful historic monument. The Mahal built in 1349 AD by Emperor Ramchandra Deo,  is known as the memorial of the marriage of King Nagwanshi and Queen Haihawanshi. It was originally a Shiv temple but due its shape, like a marriage shamiyana, it is known as “Madwa Mahal”. It is also called Dullhadeo. The Shiva Linga is inside the ‘Garbha Grih' and the ‘Mandap rests upon 16 pillars'.

The erogenous idols of this temple are also extremely beautiful. On the outer walls there are 54 erotic sculptures in different poses. These have artistic significance too. These asanas from the “Kama-sutra” are truly an epitome of eternal love and beauty. The Nagwanshi Kings were believed to be the practitioners of ‘Trantra' as their contemporaries in Khajuraho. The traces of turmeric on the walls indicate that marriage and other rituals had been performed here from time to time.

The main temple here has two parts. One is known as Ishtika made temple and the other is completely stone-carved. The main Bhoramdeo temple is east facing and in front of a tranquil and cool lake. This medieval temple was constructed upon a five feet high sprawling platform including a ‘Mandap' (shelter), Antaral (Passage) and ‘Garbha Griha' (The main house of God). It has three openings except in the west. In the 60 ft. x 40 ft. area of the temple, the Mandap which is square in shape and having four pillars in the centre and the rest are in periphery, covered with high roof. The top of Grabha Grih goes straight to the summit of the temple known as the ”Kalash”. The east side Kalash is open in a circular form, probably to reduce the weight and maintain the balance of the structure.

Near the entrance on the outer walls, the sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his other incarnations can be seen, besides those of Shiva, Ganesha, etc. The rows of idols from top to bottom have a size of 1,1.5 & 2 feet height respectively The bottom part of the temple has four structures to keep the main body of the temple intact braving adverse weather condition. The temple is decorated with the idols of elephants and on the top give the temple. The main idols in the temple are those of Uma-Maheswar, Natraj , Narsimha, Vaman, Krishna, Surya, Kaal, Bhairava, Nritya Ganesh, Kartikeya, Tandul, Shivgang, Chamunda, Ambika, Sapta-Matrika and Laxmi-Narayan. The traces of 'Ram-Katha' are also engraved here in stones. Amidst a variety of idols the carnal sculptures of the temple are known worldwide for their exquisite carving in different erotic poses, obviously to reflect the lifestyle of the then historic periods. In the north of the temple, there is a brick structure temple, which has got a superbly crafted series.

The brick-Structured temple also has similar Garbha Grih, as in main temple but there is no ‘Mandap' in the front and only a open projected wall is there called ‘Allinda'. The top of this temple, too, is equal to the Bhoramdeo temple but the peak is broken mid-way. The entrance of the ‘Garbha Grih' is completely stone-carved having one centre pillar and three adjoining pillars still intact. Inside the main temple there are shiva Linga and idols of Uma-Maheshwar. The king and queen are standing in the front as the worshippers.

How to reach:

By Air: - Raipur(134 kms) is the nearest airport connected with all major cities in India

By Rail: - Raipur is the nearest Railway station on the Bombay-Howarah 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.

Last Updated on Sunday, 06 March 2011 00:22