Ma Shabari Temple, Kharod
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/cI9nSPKJKg4
Location: “Kharod-Ma-ShabariTemple”
References:
https://sahasa.in/2023/12/06/brick-temple-of-shavari-kharod-janjgir-champa-district-chhattisgarh/
Shabari temple at Kharod, is a Hindu temple dedicated to
Goddess Shakti in Kharod town near Shivrinarayan in Jangir-Champa district of
Chattisgarh. Kharod is also known as the Kashi of Chattisgarh, also known treasure trove of ancient brick
temples. This town of immense religious and spiritual potency is said to
derive its name from Khara and Dushana, the younger brothers of Ravana. The
great war between Khara and Dushana and Bhagawan Rama is said to have taken
place here.The twin brothers of Ravana used to rule the Dandaka forest. After
Laskhmana humiliated Surpanakha, Khara and Dushana went to war with Laskhmana
and Rama at Kharod. The exact place is marked with a bat tree as per local
folklore. Name Kharod is derived from the name of the demons.
The name Shabari is
revered in Hinduism as the elderly woman in Ramayana who out of love for Rama,
Sita and Lakshmana partly tasted all fruits she welcomed them with, explaining
she wanted to make sure that they were the best tasting. She is considered as
an ideal ascetic bhakta, devoted to her guest.
The temple was dedicated to
Bhagawan Vishnu originally but later seated the local goddess Savari Devi. This
temple was built in the mid – 7th – early 8th century by the Panduvamshis of
Dakshina Kosala and the mandapa was
an addition by the rulers of this region in the late 12th century.
Historical records state
that countless brick temples were built in this area of which only four remain
today namely Shavari Devi Temple, Andal Deul, Lakshmaneshwar (also known as Lakhneshwar) Temple and
Eeshaaneshwar Temple.
The Shavari Devi Temple
(known locally as Shabari Devi or Shabarinarayana Temple) is located in the
southern part of the village on the west bank of an old tank. This east –
facing temple sits on a high stone platform and on plan has a pillared mandapa, an antarala and a square garbha griha. The sanctum has a square plan, but the
outside of the temple is stellate (tarakriti) like the Indal Deul mandir also
in Kharod, though it hasn’t been
completed in entirety and therefore, appears to be only a semi – stellar. The
external facades are relatively simple in terms of decoration with mouldings,
niches that are empty, repetitive linear elements and auspicious Hindu
iconography. The entrance door to the shrine has the river goddesses Ganga and
Yamuna of very small size, dwarapalakas and
prominent carvings of the Nagas.
Garuda sits on the lintel holding the tails of serpents. The mandapa has two rows of six
pillars each. The sculptures adorning the pillared mandapa though defaced are
classical in their ornamentation, size and proportion. There are sculptures of
other temples placed here as well.
The exquisitely carved
artwork in the temple is of the same exceptional quality as found in Rajim and
Sirpur. These include early 8th century Ganga and Yamuna, Shiva, Vishnu and
Devi. Garuda sits at the lalitabimba before the sanctum – thus, this temple was
originally of the Vaishnavism tradition, either a Vishnu avatar or a Vaishnava
goddess.
Mostly brick, stone
was used to construct the jagati (platform), doorframe of the sanctum, and the
amalaka. Part of the temple such as the mandapa was rebuilt in the modern era.
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.
·
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
·
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.
No dedicated parking. Vehicles have to be parked outside the
temple complex on the side of the road
Timings:
No specific information available. But normally the temple is
open to visitors during the day time.