The Power Of Prayer

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.

- Sushmita Srivastav

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