Rajiv Lochan Temple, Rajim, Chattisgarh
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/MAiLkIceVDw
Location: “XV7H+H2P
Shree Rajiv Lochan Temple, Rajim, Gobra, Chhattisgarh 493885”
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajiv_Lochan_Temple
https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/rajiv_lochan_temple_rajim_information.html
https://www.avathi.com/place/rajiv-lochan-mandir/8234
The Rajiv Lochan Temple is an ancient 7th-century
Vishnu temple situated in Rajim, often referred to as the 'Prayag' of
Chhattisgarh, located at the confluence of Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondhur rivers.
It
is a premier pilgrimage site known for its exquisite Panchayana-style
architecture, 12 ornate stone-carved pillars, and central role in the regional
Rajim Kumbh Mela
Four-armed form of Lord Vishnu is represented as the
"beautiful one-eyed" or Lord of the Blue Lotus. It is one of the
oldest temples in the region, featuring a mandapa, ante-chamber, and a shikhara-topped sanctum. The
temple is located on the route towards Jagannatha
Dham
According to legend, the site is said to have been established by Lord Rama
during his exile, and it is also believed to have been visited by Buddha during
his travels.
Another legend states, the temple was designed by the craftsman
deity Vishvakarma.
Another legend states that the mythical king Jagat Pal
constructed the entire temple in one day
A 4th legend ascribes it to the mythical king
Ratnakar. It states that Ratnakar was devoted to the worship of Vishnu,
who materialized before him in the incarnation of Rajiva-Lochana.
Ratnakar was granted a boon, and he requested that he be able to see Vishnu in
this form for eternity.
The temple has been renovated and rebuilt over the centuries,
with the current structure being a fine example of the Chhattisgarh style of
temple architecture. The temple complex comprises several shrines and a large
courtyard, all surrounded by high walls. The main shrine houses an idol of
Vishnu, flanked by the goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati. The architecture of the
temple is characterized by its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict
scenes from Hindu mythology and other religious stories. The temple's unique
design incorporates elements of both Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple
architecture.
The temple has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries, with
people from all over India and beyond visiting to pay their respects to Vishnu.
The temple is of the pancaytana form.
Adjacent
to the Rajiv Lochan Mandir, discover a harmonious blend of architectural
wonders, including shrines dedicated to Narasimha, Vamana, Varaha, and
Badrinath.
The awe-inspiring edifice is supported by 12 intricately
carved columns, each telling a story of devotion and artistry.
The temple is built on top of a platform, which measures
about 69 by 43 feet, and about 8 feet tall. Two flights of steps are present on
the north-west and south-west corners of the platform. The temple building
itself measures 59 feet in length, and 25.5 feet in breadth. It is constructed
out of brick. The principal entrance is towards the west. The entrance portico has
two pilasters, with
two pillars between them. The pilasters depict a tall female figure on
each side. One is holding the branch of a tree with her left hand, and has her
right hand raised. The other has her left hand raised, and is holding a bunch
of mangoes in her right hand. The pillars are decorated with human figures, as
well as a pair of knotted snakes.
The entrance portico is divided into two chambers. Sculptures
of Buddha and Hanuman are
placed in the corners of the inner chamber. The sculpture of Buddha is of black
stone, and depicts the Buddha with curly hair, sitting in contemplation under
the Bodhi tree with his right hand on his knee, and left hand resting on his
lap
The mandapa (pillared hall) is open towards the north. It
is a flat-roofed hall, which is supported by two rows of six pillars down the
middle, and a single row of six pilasters on either side. The square pillars
have a plain lower half, with the upper half being highly embellished. The
pilasters are ornamented with tall single figures.
The
figures depicted in the pilasters of the southern wall are: (from east to west)[8]
·
A dvarapala armed
with a dagger in its belt
·
Ganga standing over
a makara, accompanied by an attendant who holds
an umbrella over her head.
·
An amorous
couple
·
A female figure identified as Sita
·
A male figure armed with a dagger, and bow and arrow
The
figures depicted in the pilasters of the northern wall are: (from east to west)[8]
·
A dvarapala armed
with a dagger in its belt
·
Varaha
·
Yamuna standing over a tortoise
·
Female
·
Durga with eight arms,
seated upon a lion
·
A male figure riding a chariot with five horses. It is suggested
by Cunningham that this could be Surya.
Two
long rooms on the northern and southern side of the mandapa are later additions. These block
the view of the main temple building, and have been described by Alexander Cunningham as "completely spoil(ing) the entire view of the
temple". These rooms serve as Bhandara (treasury)
and Rasoi (kitchen) of the temple
At the eastern side of the hall is the ante-chamber, which
leads into the inner sanctum. The sanctum is square in plan, with a side of
about 20 feet. It is entered through an elaborately carved doorway.
On its lintel is a depiction of Vishnu sitting upon Garuda. The
main deity, which is a four-armed incarnation
of Vishnu known as "Rajiva-Lochana" (lit. lotus-eyed) is housed
here. The sanctum is topped by a shikhara (temple
tower) in the form of a square pyramid, divided into five rows of niches. The
height of the temple tower is estimated to be about 50 feet above ground.
The Laxman Jhula in Rajim, Chhattisgarh, is a
610-meter-long, 3.25-meter-wide pedestrian suspension bridge inaugurated on
March 1, 2022, over the Mahanadi River. It connects the sacred Rajivalochan Temple to
the Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple and Lomash Rishi Ashram near the Triveni Sangam,
providing scenic views and improved access, especially featuring decorative
lighting for night viewing.
The jhula Connects major temples to the Triveni Sangam,
reducing the risk of crossing the Mahanadi River on foot and is Equipped with
modern, attractive, and colorful lighting for visitors during the night. The
bridge has significantly improved tourism and easy access for devotees visiting
the ancient temple town
Here is a brief chronology of the temple:
- 7th
century: The Rajiv Lochan Temple is believed to have been established
during the reign of the Somavamshi king, Ratnadev I.
- 9th
Century: The temple was rebuilt by the Somavamshi King Jajalladeva.
- 10th
Century: The temple was destroyed by the Kalchuri King Ratnadeva.
- 11th
Century: The temple was rebuilt by the Kalchuri King Karnadeva.
- 12th
Century: The temple was destroyed by the Muslim invaders.
- 13th
century: The temple was renovated by the Chalukya king, Jajalladeva II.
- 17th
Century: The temple was rebuilt by the Maratha ruler Baji Rao.
- 18th
Century: The temple was again destroyed during the Maratha-Pindari war.
- 1757:
The Maratha king, Raghunath Rao Peshwa, is said to have visited the temple
during his military campaign in the region.
- 19th
Century: The temple was renovated by the Bhonsle rulers of Nagpur.
- 1941
CE: The temple was extensively renovated and restored by the Raja of
Raipur, Raja Bhanupratap Deo.
Famous Festivals:
1)
Rajim Kumbh Mela: The
temple is used for pilgrimage by Hindus, particularly during the Rajim Kumbh
Mela, a major festival held every 12 years in honor of Lord Vishnu. The
festival is held in the months of January and February and attracts millions of
devotees from across India.
2)
Annual Magh mela: A large fair is held at the
temple in honor of Lord Vishnu, which is attended by thousands of devotees from
across the region.
3)
Annual Chaitra Navaratri: During the Chaitra
Navratri festival: Special prayers and rituals are performed at the temple,
dedicated to the goddess Durga.
4)
Annual Shravan month of the Hindu calendar when
Devotees undertake a month-long pilgrimage to the temple, offering water to the
deity and seeking blessings.
How to Reach:
By Road: The
nearest and primary bus stand is the Rajim
Bus Stand, located directly within the town. It serves
as the central hub for local and regional travel, including frequent daily
connections to Raipur (approx. 45 km away), Gariaband, and Mainpur. It is easily
accessible within the town center for boarding
By Air: The
nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda
International Airport, Raipur
By Train: Rajim (Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh) has its own railway
station named Rajim Railway Station (RIM) around 50 KMs from
Chattisgarh.
Parking and Photography
Parking is absolutely not an issue. There is a huge
dedicated parking area.
Photography is completely allowed. I believe Drones can also
be used.
Stay Options
Raipur around 50 KMs is the nearest city with ample stay
options
Timings:
The Rajiv Lochan Temple in Rajim, Chhattisgarh, is generally
open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.