Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ZZcXdfrujIA
Location: “Ganesh
Temple Barsur, 49MF+MC5, Barsur, Chhattisgarh 494441”
References:
https://unexploredbastar.com/archeological-heritage-temple-of-bastar/
https://myadhyatm.com/barsur-twin-ganesha-temple/
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/03/twin-ganesha-temple-barsur-chattisgarh.html
Nearby
Battisha Temple, leftwards 1 km away, there are two Ganesha sculptures
The Ganesh Temple has
two idols of Lord Ganesha and one Shiva Linga. It is unique to have two idols
of Vinayaka side by side in the temple. These idols, made of sand stones, are
monolithic. One idol is big and is about 7½ feet high. This idol is considered
to be the third largest statue in the world. The other idol is small and is
about 5½ feet high. These idols of Ganesha dates back to 11th – 12th century.
The bigger Lord
Ganesha idol’s upper right hand is holding Parashu and the lower hand is in
Abhaya Mudra. The smaller Ganesha is holding a mace in his
upper left hand and a modak in his lower left hand. A mouse is in a moving
posture just below the idol.
Both the
idols are kept in a newly constructed Mandapam. The Mandapam is fenced on all
sides by grills for safety. A stone kalash is
kept atop a Mandap, constructed
from stone pillars and boulders. People call it Amrit Kalash. Close-at-hand a
heap of stone blocks indicate the remnants of an ancient temple. Possibly, an
ancient temple was situated there.
Legend:
Twin Ganesha is famous for its historical significance. The city Barsur is
named after king Banasur, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It is said
that daughters of Banasur, Usha and his minister’s daughter Chitralekha were
best friends. They were the devotee of Ganesha. So they asked their fathers to
construct a temple for them. They created this twin Ganesha temple of Barsur.