About Bhoramdeo TempleBhoramdeo Temple (22.116N 81.148E) is a very old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of 18 km from Kawardha town in Kabirdham district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This temple, scenically situated amidst mountain ranges, was built in the period of 7th to 11th century AD. The temples were built by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty and have a special attraction for lovers of history and archaeology.
Amidst the picturesque surroundings of Maikal mountains and dense forests, the perfect blend of religious and erotic sculptures, the Bhoramdeo temple, is carved on the rocky stones in the Nagar style. The Shiva Linga in the temple is beautifully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. The Bhoramdeo temple has a resemblance with the Khajuraho temple, and that is why it is also called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. In the backdrop of natural beauty, this temple is also unique for its architecture. Cunnigham had termed it as one of the most beautifully decorated temple seen by him.
The temple
The main temple here has two parts. One is known as Ishtika made temple and the other is completely stone-carved. The main Bhoramdeo temple is in front of a tranquil and cool lake. This medieval temple has been constructed upon a five feet high sprawling platform including a ‘Mandap’ (shelter) Antral (Passage) and ‘Garbha Grih’ (The main house of God). This east facing temple has three openings except in the west. In the 60 ft. x 40 ft. area of the temple the Mandap which is square shape having four pillars in the centre and the rest are in periphery, associated with high roofs. There is a half shelter also on every entrance. In the 9 x 9 sq. ft sized ‘Garbha Grih’ a Shiva Linga’ is situated. The top of Grabha Grih goes straight to the summit of the temple, known as the ”Kalash”. The east side Kalash is open in a circular form, probably to reduce the weight and maintain the balance of the structure. Near the entrance on the outer walls, the sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his other incarnations can be seen, besides those of Shiva, Ganesha etc. The rows of idols, starting from top to bottom, have sizes of one, one and half, and two feet height respectively. The bottom part of the temple has four structures to keep the main body of the temple intact braving adverse weather condition. There are only four joints, but no ‘kalash’ on the top of the same. The idols of elephants and lions are queued up on the top, giving the temple a decorative look. The main idols in the temple are those of Uma-Maheswar, Natraj, Narsimha, Vaman, Krishna, Surya, Kaal, Bhairava, Nritya Ganesh, Kartikeya, Tandul, Shivgang, Chamunda, Ambika, Sapta-Matrika and Laxmi-Narayan. The traces of ‘Ram-Katha’ are also engraved here in stones. Amidst a variety of idols the carnal sculptures of the temple are known worldwide for their exquisite carving in different erotic poses, obviously to reflect the lifestyle of those historic periods. In the north of the temple, there is a brick structured temple, which has got a superbly crafted series. On the North East and South portions of the ‘Garbha Grih’ the right angled projections add attraction to the site having big one in the middle and smaller ones on the outer side.
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