Place · Shiva temple complex · India
Bhoramdeo
The 11th-century Chalukya-Nagvanshi Shiva temple complex at Bhoramdeo in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, 125 kilometres from Raipur — called the 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh' for its richly carved exterior sculpture including erotic couples, Shaiva and Vaishnava imagery, and dance scenes. The main temple built around 1089 CE under the Nagvansha king Gopal Deva, with the Nagvansha and Kalachuri successor-dynasty additions. The 7th-century Mandwa Mahal and the 11th-century Chhera Khera temple in the same complex round out the architectural ensemble. The temple's black-stone construction and the Pancharatha plan reflect Chalukya-Hoysala influence while retaining distinct Chhattisgarh-regional carving style. The surrounding Maikal hills and the Chilphi forest reserve preserve the site's monsoon ecosystem. ASI protection since 1948.
- Function
- Sacred site & pilgrimage
- Tradition
- Central Indian and Bastar traditions
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 22.070, 81.140
Connections (1)
- AnalogueBarsur
Barsur in the Bastar forest and Bhoramdeo in the Maikal hills are the two places that show monumental Nagara temple building well inside the forested plateau, under the Chhindaka Nagas and the Nagvanshis respectively. Both are usually described as outliers, which assumes the forest was a margin; the temples are the evidence that it had its own courts and its own masons.
On these journeys
Sources
Wikipedia, “Bhoramdeo Temple”. Archaeological Survey of India and State Archaeology monument records, and the standard regional literature.
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