Keshava Narayana Temple, Shivinarayan
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ISB4CCBusDs
Location: “Kesav
Narayan Temple, Math Temple, Shivrinarayan, Chhattisgarh”
References: AI
https://puratattva.in/sheorinarayan-the-enigma-of-shabari/
https://bastariya.com/a-chapter-from-the-ramayana-shivrinarayan/
The Keshava Narayana Temple in Shivrinarayan, Chhattisgarh,
is a 7th-century Vaishnav-style shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
located at the sacred confluence (Tridhara) of the Mahanadi, Jonk, and Shivnath
rivers. The Shivrinarayan Temple, a 2500-year-old historic site in
Chhattisgarh'. This beautiful ancient temple is situated in the Janjgir-Champa
district, and features few of the most fascinating carvings, including images
of Ganga, Yamuna, and a unique depiction of Vishwakarma on the lintel, although
the major portion of the temple has been renovated. The temple is also known as
Gupta Prayag, this is believed to be the location where Shabari offered her
plums to Lord Ram in the Ramayana.
The temple is one of the unique ones in that it features Nara
Narayan (Jagannatha) and Shiva face each other in 2 separate shrines.
The sanctum sanctorum has an intricately carved door jamb,
with figures of dwarapalas and river goddesses flanking the entrance.
Legend:
One tradition believes that
Shabari. a poor resident of Rishi Matang’s ashram and a devoted follower of
Rama spent her entire life hoping to set eyes on him. Long into her twilight
years, she continued to collect — daily —fruits and flowers to offer him were
he to come by. When she saw them, she
fell prostrate and embraced their feet. She was very much overwhelmed, again
and again bowed her head. She bathed their feet with water and provided them a
high seat. Then she brought and offered various bulbs, roots and fruits which
they partook again and again. Shabari requested Lord Rama that she wanted to
leave her body and join the place where all other great sages have been
residing. Lord Rama accepted her request and granted her desired place. Here
ends the Ramayana episode of Shabari. A local tradition attributes that Shabari
asked Rama to have her name getting prefixed with his name, Narayana, and thus
the town was named likewise.
Shivrinarayan also has a
connection with Lord Jagannatha of Puri. Among the various theories behind the
origin of the Jagannatha idols, one places Shivrinarayan as the original spot
where the idols were in worship. On legends connecting Sabaras (or Shabaras, Savaras who used to worship
mother goddess) with Lord Jagannatha, Russel mentions few. One legend
mentions that Sabaras were
created for carrying stones for the construction of the great temple at Puri
and for dragging the car of Jagannatha, which they still do at the present
time.
Nara-Narayana
Temple (नर-नारायण मंदिर) – This is the main temple complex of the town and as per a local
tradition it was constructed by king Shabar. There are numerous temples, small
and large, within the complex. The present structure is very modern and does
not reflect any sign of antiquity from outside. However the sanctum and its
doorway is of the original structure which may have been constructed during the
Kalachuri period. There is an image of Lakshmi-Narayana riding over Garuda on
left side when you enter into the temple. Ten incarnations of Vishnu are
depicted on the top and bottom of the image. The statue needs proper cleaning
as it is much worn out due to continuous usage of vermilion and other similar
materials.
The sanctum doorway is
very exquisitely carved. Shankha and Chakra ayudha-purushas (anthropomorphic
forms of conch and discus attributes of Vishnu) are found on two lateral walls
of the mandapa just before the sanctum. River goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, have
their regular bottom positions on the door jambs. They are accompanied with a
pair of dvarpalas. The dvarpalas are shown with four hands carrying gada (clubs).
Snakes and serpents are carved all around the jambs. Vishnu is present in the
center of the door lintel, on lalat-bimba. Another image of Vishnu riding over
Garuda is present above the previous lintel.
Keshava-Narayana
Temple (केशव-नारायण मंदिर) – This temple is situated just opposite to Nara-Narayana temple.
It is also referred as Shabari-Dai temple. The temple retains its original
structure partially, its roof and mandapa has not survived, currently left with
garbha-grha and antarala. Due to this it is referred as incomplete temple,
originally designed to be finished within a night but the plan did not succeed
and the sculptors left at the dawn. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, evident
with his presence over lalata-bimba. He is accompanied with Brahma and Shiva
over the terminals, and the intervening space is occupied by nava-grhas.
Above the lintel is
present Nataraja. There are divergent views on the image on lalata-bimba. Some
believe that it is an image of Vishwakarma4 while others take it as an image of
Vishnu. The doorway is carved with four bands. A band, second from the inside,
has niches housing different forms of Vishnu. Ganga and Yamuna are present on
the door jambs at the bottom. They are accompanied with dvarpalas, two on
either side. Side face of the door jamb is also carved, however its finished
only on the left side, the right side is left incomplete, in fact they did not
start any carving on that face except for the rough sketch of the design.
Chandrachudha
Temple (चन्द्रचूढ़ मंदिर) – This is the only Shiva temple at Sheorinarayan and it is located
near Nara-Narayana temple. This is probably the oldest temple at the site as
evident from an inscription found in this temple. However the temple is
renovated to a great extent hiding all its antiquity.
Major
Festivals
1)
Magh Purnima, a vibrant, multi-day fair held on
the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magh, featuring cultural events and a
holy dip at the confluence.
2)
Navratri: Celebrated with special rituals, as the
temple is associated with Lord Rama and Sita.
3)
Mahashivratri: Marked with
special offerings, reflecting the temple's dual, significance to both Vishnu
and Shiva.
4)
Diwali & Holi: Celebrated
with traditional fervor
Photography and
Parking
Photography is allowed, there is no restriction. Drones can
be used from outside the temple from the river ghat.
Parking is a bit tough and at a distance from the temple.
The entrance to the temple is through gullies and a busy market. Be a bit
careful on where you park your car.
How to reach
·
By
Road: The temple is
well-connected by road, located in the town of Shivrinarayan. It is
approximately 60-70 km from Bilaspur and can be reached via state highways.
Taxis and local buses are available from Bilaspur or Raipur.
·
By
Train: The nearest
railway stations are Naila (Janjgir), Champa, or Bilaspur Junction. From these
stations, visitors can take local transport or taxis to reach the temple.
·
By
Air: The closest
major airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, which is about 130-150 km
away.
Stay
options:
Sambalpur, Raipur have good options for stay.
Nearby
places to visit:
·
Laxmaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Kharod: Located just a few kilometers from Shivrinarayan, this
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its historical
significance and unique architecture.
·
Vishnu Mandir, Janjgir: An ancient, intricately carved temple reflecting the
golden age of the Vaishnav community, located in the nearby district
headquarters.
·
River Sangam (Mahanadi): The temple is situated at the confluence of the Mahanadi,
Shivnath, and Jonk rivers, offering scenic and spiritual views.
·
Shabri Ashram: Located within
Shivrinarayan, this spot is historically significant as the place where Shabri
offered berries to Lord Ram.
·
Champaranya: Known as the
birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, this small, holy village is a famous
pilgrimage site.
·
Ratanpur: A historic town
famous for the Mahamaya Temple, often visited together with other religious
sites in the region.
·
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary: For nature lovers, this sanctuary is relatively close,
offering a scenic escape into nature.
·
Indal Deul temple at
Kharod (650 and 675 CE.)
·
Kharod Sabari temple,
Kharod.