Bhoramdeo Temple

Surrounded 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 Chattisgarh', was built in the 11th century AD.

History tells 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 Chattisgarh, 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 archaology. A beautiful statue of 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 enternal love and beauty, the Bhoramdeo Temple boasts of 54 erotic sculptures on the outer walls. However, the main temple here are 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 infront of it. Constructd on a five feet high platform, the temple boasts of a sprawling Garbha Griha, Mandap and Antraal.

Facing the east, the Bhoramdeo Temple has entry doors from all directions except the west. The Mandapa is supported by total of 16 pills, each unique with beautiful motifs and mudras carved into it. Similary, crafted with equal passion, the brick structed temple also has Garbha Grihas. There is an open projected wall called the 'Allinda'. The Garbha Griha provides a royal, stone carved welcome is 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 reverence of the great gods.

The pinnacle of the temple is to be observed keenly and can be traced to look alike 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 of the Konark Temple and the famous Khajuraho Temples. Beautiful sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, dancers, musical instruments etc are reflection of life at that time.

Some of the sculptures are dramatically created a alot of imagination has been poured into the making of an art that feels extremely life like and real.

Located amidst whispering famrs is the Mandwa Mahal, just half a kilometer away from the Bhoramdeo Temple. This historic monuemtn is known as a marriage memorial crafted to celebrate the unio of Nagvanshi King, Ramachandra and Haihayavanshi Queen, Ambika Devi. The word Mandwa originates from the 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, it was built by the Nagvanshi Emperor Ramachandra 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 Shephereds, during the Nagavanshi empire's region. The Garbha Griha of this temple also flaunts a beautiful Shivlinga and brick structures and formations are very similar to other brick temples crafted in the same era.