Marking of Ganga, Jamuna and Shev gatekeepers at the bottom of the door branch of Mahadev temple
Raipur 14 January 2023
Today, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel had reached the oldest temple of Mahadev in Pali-Tanakhar assembly. Where he wished happiness and prosperity for the people of the state by offering 108 Belpatra on the Shivling installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The priest of the temple and the caretaker of the archeology department inquired about the Shiva temple. The caretaker of the archeology department told that one of the main features of the temple is the marking of Ganga, Jamuna and Shev gatekeepers at the bottom of the gate branch of the temple. The carrier symbol of Goddess Ganga is crocodile and the carrier symbol of Goddess Yamuna is tortoise. On which the Chief Minister said that this Mahadev temple is not only the center of religious faith but is also giving the message of unity in diversity. The culture of Chhattisgarh is rich, whose living example is this Mahadev temple established in Pali.
According to an inscription engraved on the door branch, this temple was built by King Vikramaditya of Baan dynasty between 870-900 AD. This temple was renovated after about 200 years by Jajalladev, the Kalchuri king of Ratanpur. Built on a platform about 3 feet high, this temple represents the North Indian Nagara style. On the outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum, multi-storey kulikas have been adjusted in the Bhadra Ratha. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is of Trishakha type and equipped with various motifs. Shivling is installed in the sanctum sanctorum, on whose outer walls Nataraja, Vayumunda, Surya, Shiv Vahini Durga and Saraswati are noteworthy in the engraved idols. There is an octagonal pavilion in front of the sanctum. From the point of view of architecture, it was probably a new experiment of the architects in the South Kaushal region. Ko’s octagonal shaped pavilions were not present in this area at that time. On the northern and southern side of the mandapa there is Vatayana, as well as an additional entrance on the north side. On the inner walls of the mandapa, Shaivacharyas and Dharmavalambis are shown busy in different postures and activities, which proves that this area was a Shaiva area in those times. It was a major center of the sect. This temple is located near the Naukonia Talab spread over 22 acres, due to which its view looks even more picturesque. A large number of tourists visit the temple every year during the fair held in Pali in the month of Magha. Zoya testifies that this area was a major center of the Shaiv sect in those times. This temple is located near the Naukonia Talab spread over 22 acres, due to which its view looks even more picturesque. A large number of tourists visit the temple every year during the fair held in Pali in the month of Magh. Zoya testifies that this area was a major center of the Shaiv sect in those times. This temple is located near the Naukonia Talab spread over 22 acres, due to which its view looks even more picturesque. A large number of tourists visit the temple every year during the fair held in Pali in the month of Magha.
