Siddeshwara Temple, Palari
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/JcQpNtp6NhQ
References: https://balodabazar.gov.in/en/tourist-place/siddheshwar-mandir-palari/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddheshwar_Mandir,_Palari
https://puratattva.in/palari-siddheshvara-temple/
Location: “G5MH+V27
Siddheshwar mandir, Palari Balodi Rd, Palari, Chhattisgarh 493228”
Siddheshwar Temple is a
Shiva temple is located on the embankment of Balasamund pond in Palari village,
25 km away from Balodabazar to Raipur Road in Balodabazar district of
Chhattisgarh. This temple was built in about 7-8th century AD.
A. E. Nelson first
reported the town’s antiquities in 1909. He mentions a legend behind the tank’s
name, Bal Samudra, that it was called because a child (bal in Hindi) was
offered it when it was dug. For the adjacent brick temple, Nelson says that it
had beautifully carved figures removed from some ancient untraceable ruin.1 The first descriptive study on the temple was conducted
by Donald Stadtner in 1976. The presence of the Lakulisa image over
the doorway lintel has led Stadtner to suggest Odishan (Kalinga) influence, as
the earliest Lakulisa image in the region is found at the Parashuramaeshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar.
Local traditions ascribe
the construction of the tank to the Panduvamshi king Maha-Shivagupta Balarjuna. It consists of a garbhagrha,
antarala, and a pillared mandapa. The antarala and mandapa have not survived, and the present porch is a modern
restoration.
The temple follows a
semi-stellar pancharatha plan (located within a courtyard) with its bhadra and karna parallel to the central axis, with three oblique
divisions inserted between them. The adhishthana comprises multiple moldings: khura, kumbha, kalasha, antarapatta, and kapotavali. The kalasha molding is decorated with a leaf pattern. The kapotavali is decorated with chandrashala motifs. These chandrashalas are decorated with pendant heart motifs. The jangha has six vertical components. In the center
is a flat bhadra. On either side are oblique, triangular pallavi divisions.
On the entrance of the
temple, river Goddess Ganga and Yamuna have been displayed in Tribhangaamudra.
The Trinity is marking on the head of the door. The view of Shiva wedding
is beautifully engraved on the Sidhn situated at the entrance and marking of
the Asht Dikpal on the gate branch. Shivalinga named Siddheshwar is installed
in the sanctum sanctorum. The shikhar part of this temple is embellished with
the picturesque, gajmukh and vaalyan shapes which are built within the Chaitya
Gaavaksh. This is a great specimen of existing Chhattisgarh brick-built
temples.
From the style of its architecture, it is inferred that this
temple was constructed about fifty years after the Lakshmana Temple at Sirpur,
which is dated 595–605. This would put the approximate date of its construction
in the middle of the seventh century CE. It is built entirely out of brick,
except for the doorway and a new porch, which are built of stone.
How to Reach:
By Road (from
Balodabazar): The temple is
located within Palari village, which is about from the district
headquarters of Balodabazar on the main road to Raipur. Palari
is well-connected by road to the capital city, Raipur, allowing for easy access
by taxi or local bus services.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is
Bhatapara (around 40 KMs from Palari), which connects to the main railway
network. From there, you can hire a private vehicle or take local transport to
Palari.
By Air: The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur,
which is the best option for those traveling from afar.
Photography and
Parking
No restrictions in photography. Drones can also be used.
Parking is easily available outside the temple.
Nearby Places to
visit
1) Sirpur group of temples (60 KMs)
2)
Champaranya
(approx. 40-50 km): A significant
pilgrimage site known for its beautiful temples dedicated to Saint
Vallabhacharya.
3)
Ghatarani
Waterfalls: A popular scenic
spot surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers.
4) Baloda Bazar (Local
area): Offers insight into local culture and is close to several
large cement industrial centers.
5) Bhatapara: Nearby town noted for its local markets and religious
festivals
Famour Festivals
·
Teeja-Pora Festival: A significant festival observed at the
temple, featuring traditional celebrations, cultural activities, and
competitions, often involving the local community.
·
Mahashivratri: As a Shivalinga temple, Mahashivratri
is a major, busy time when devotees offer prayers to the
"Siddheshwar" Shivalinga.
·
Cultural & Seasonal Gatherings: Due to its location
on the banks of the Balasamund pond, the temple often hosts local gatherings
and is involved in regional cultural events in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara
district.
Stay options:
There are few hotels available at Baloda bazar. Otherwise
one can either stay at Bilaspur or Raipur and plan the locations between them.
Timings:
Generally open for daily darshan throughout the day. Morning
(around 7:00-8:00 AM) or evening (around 6:00-7:00 PM) for Aarti. Often
crowded during Maha Shivratri and Shravan months.