Indal Deul Temple, Kharod
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/cI9nSPKJKg4
Location: “Small
Brick temple (Andaldeo), PHWH+MVX, Kharod, Chhattisgarh 495556”
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indal_Deul_Temple
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/andal-deul-temple-kharod-chattisgarh.html
Indal Deul Temple (also known as Andal Deul Temple) is a Hindu temple in Kharod, Chhattisgarh. It is dated to between 650 and 675 CE.
The temple is a 7th-century brick and stucco structure, likely built by
Maharaja Indrabala of the Panduvamshis of Dakshina Kosala. This west-facing temple is situated north of the village.
The temple is reached through the narrow Gullies through the
Kharod village and sometimes slightly difficult to pass through. The temple is
situated in a congested but less crowded village.
The doorway features three intricately designed bands. The
third and outermost band is particularly notable, as it depicts the river
goddesses Ganga and Yamuna in finely carved reliefs. These two deities are
positioned on either side of the entrance, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.
Deul has five sections, vedibandha, jangha, baranda, sikhara and
mastaka. Vedibandha is composed of five regular mouldings. Bhadra has a large
niche enclosed within two pilasters housing parshvadevatas. Bhadra in the south
has damaged image, only lotus pedestal has survived, therefore it may be
identifiable with Brahma or Lakulisa. Bhadra in the east has a standing image
of Surya, while bhadra in the north has a damaged image of 10-arms deity.
Garbha-grha doorway has three shakhas (bands). Innermost band
has scrolls, next band has diamonds and the last band has large figures of
river goddesses, Ganga over makara and Yamuna over tortoise. Lalata-bimba over
lintel has Shiva and Parvati, accompanied with Brahma and Vishnu.
The legend is the same as the legend of Kharod as explained
in Kharod Sabari temple.
Another local
tradition ascribes the temples at Kharod to king Ashwadhwaj, the brother of
king Tamradhwaj of Ratanpur. However, as per the earliest available
inscriptions at Kharod, its antiquity can be placed to the times of the
Panduvamshis of Kosala, sixth century CE. As the inscription refers to
Isanadeva, an early Panduvamshi king, so the town would have been under them
before Tivaradeva conquered Sripura (modern Sirpur) from the successors of the
Sarabhapuriyas.
The temple is similar in lines with the brick temple of
Bhitargaon in Kanpur, Gollatha brick temple in Telengana.
How to Reach Kharod
Shabari Temple:
·
By
Road: Kharod is
located on National Highway 200, making it accessible by road from major cities
in Chhattisgarh like Bilaspur (65 km) and Janjgir-Champa (50 km). Local
transport and private taxis can be hired from these locations. From Kharod,
some auto need to be hired.
·
By
Train: The nearest
major railway stations are in Bilaspur or Champa, from where you can take a
taxi or bus to reach Kharod.
·
By
Air: The closest
airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, which is roughly 100-120 km
away
Nearby
Places to visit
·
Kharod Sabari Temple,
Kharod.
·
Sirpur Group of monuments (Approx. 40-50 km): A renowned historical and archaeological
site featuring the 7th-century Laxman Temple, Buddha Vihars, and the
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.
·
Chandrapur (Approx. 30-40 km): Famous for the Chandrashini Devi Temple and Nathall Dai
Temple located on the banks of the Mahanadi river.
·
Bilaspur (Approx. 60-70 km): The second-largest city in Chhattisgarh, offering shopping,
dining, and the nearby Kanan Pendari Zoo.
·
Malhar (Approx. 20-30 km): An ancient town known for its historical significance and
temples like the Pataleshwar Kedarnath Temple.
·
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary (Approx. 50-60 km): A great spot for nature lovers and
wildlife enthusiasts looking for a safari experience.
Stay
options:
Bilaspur has lot of stay options around 60 KMs from the
temple complex
Photography
and Parking
No restriction in photography. Drones can be used from
outside the temple.
There is no parking, be careful with keeping the vehicle
outside the temple as the temple is right on the narrow gully with homes in
opposite.
Timings:
No specific information available. But normally the temple is
open to visitors during the day time.