Devotion is in the air in Chhattisgarh. There are exquisite temples here, dating back to thousands of years, and it is also an important centre for Buddhist and Jain pilgrims. Come to the state with a question and a humble prayer… you might find the answer on this journey.
Chhattisgarh has been resplendent with natural wealth since the beginning. But it’s the temples and shrines from years bygone that have stood the test of time and today turned the state into a paradise for pilgrims. From the 1,300-year-old temple complex in Rajim to the rich trove of Buddhist temples in Sirpur and festivals like the Bastar Dussehra that fill the air with devotion, the state is home to countless sacred abodes. Gods abound in the temple towns of Chhattisgarh and each deserves a visit if you want to say a prayer or two.
RAJIM
Your soulful journey into Chhattisgarh can begin at Rajim, famous for its 1,300-year-old complex of the Rajiv Lochan Temple. The temple is known for its unique features—a rare barefooted idol of Vishnu in black granite, not Brahmin but Kshatriya temple pujaris, and 12 pillars with intricately carved motifs. Devotion lingers in the air as the town houses many other ancient holy sites, including the Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple, Daneshwar Mahadev Temple, Ramchandra Temple and a black-stone statue of Lord Buddha in a meditative position under the Bodhi tree.
SIRPUR
Judging from the fact that the place has its mention in Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang’s travelogue, the antiquity of Sirpur’s connection with Buddhism cannot be questioned. A treasure trove of archaeological remains associated with Buddhist, Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain faiths, Sirpur is home to the country’s sole Lakshman Temple which was built in the seventh century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Gandheswara Temple sits amidst several pillars and other shrines built in the Jain, Buddhist and Hindu styles of architecture. The Anandaprabhu Kutir and Swastika Viharas command a visit as well.
CHAMPARAN
Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Discover India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2018-utgaven av Discover India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New Gear For New Travels
Here’s our selection of some nifty new gear that’s certain to add extra oomph to your next vacation.
10 Hidden Gems Of India
The last two years have prepared us to expect the unexpected, so why not explore the unexplored in 2022? India boasts some of the most culturally abundant and visually spectacular places in the world. Pick one or more of these 10 indian destinations to travel to and discover new lands in the coming year.
When Travel Heals
Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.
BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.
Masks of Glory
Charida is not the most popular tourist spot in West Bengal. But its obscurity is one of the reasons we choose to discover the undiscovered ‘mask village’ of India.
Palace of Grandeur
The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall offers a slice of Karnataka’s rich architectural and culinary history and culture. We check-in at the palatial property for a plush staycation.
The Road to My Roots
A family finds harmony and plenty of nostalgia in the hilly forests of Ramgarh, Uttarakhand and the Kumaon Himalayas.
GARDEN of FABLES
On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.
MORE than just FOOD
Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.
Magical Moments
Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.