Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Famous Temples & Religious Sites in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, often called the "Land of Spiritual Heritage," is home to ancient temples, sacred shrines, and pilgrimage sites that attract devotees and history lovers alike. The state is known for its Shakti Peethas, Shiva temples, Jain heritage, and Buddhist sites, making it a significant spiritual destination in India.

Here are the top temples and religious sites in Chhattisgarh:

 1. Maa Danteshwari Temple – One of the 52 Shakti Peethas

✅ Why Visit?

• One of India’s most sacred Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Sati’s tooth is believed to have fallen.
• The temple is over 600 years old, built by the Kakatiya rulers.
• Main site for the Bastar Dussehra festival, India’s longest Dussehra (75 days).

✅ Best Experiences:

• Witness the grand tribal Dussehra celebrations (September – October).
• See the sacred idol of Goddess Danteshwari, worshipped by local tribes.
• Explore the nearby Bastar Palace and weekly tribal markets.

 Location: Dantewada District
 Best Time to Visit: September – March

Highlight: Unlike mainstream Dussehra, Bastar Dussehra celebrates Goddess Danteshwari, not Lord Rama!

 2. Bhoramdeo Temple – The Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh

✅ Why Visit?

• A stunning 11th-century Shiva temple, known for its intricate erotic carvings.
• A blend of Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles.
• Set amidst lush green forests, offering a peaceful retreat for spiritual seekers.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Admire the temple’s detailed stone carvings, similar to Khajuraho.
• Explore the nearby Mandawa Mahal, an ancient Shiva shrine.
• Enjoy nature walks and tribal cultural experiences in nearby villages.

 Location: Kawardha District
Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: One of India’s lesser-known heritage temples, offering spirituality and architecture in a natural setting.

3. Laxman Temple, Sirpur – One of India’s Oldest Brick Temples

✅ Why Visit?

• Built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest Hindu brick temples in India.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures.
• The site is part of Sirpur’s Buddhist and Hindu heritage, visited by Dalai Lama.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Explore the temple’s ancient carvings and inscriptions.
• Visit the nearby Buddhist Viharas, Jain temples, and museum.
• Attend the Sirpur Dance & Music Festival (January-February).

 Location: Sirpur (Mahasamund District)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: A UNESCO-recognized heritage site, perfect for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

 4. Rajivalochana Temple – The Sacred Vishnu Shrine

✅ Why Visit?

• A 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for 12 exquisitely carved pillars.
• Located in Rajim, a town also called the "Prayag of Chhattisgarh" due to its holy river confluence.
• Hosts the Rajim Kumbh Mela, a spiritual gathering similar to Kumbh Mela.

✅ Best Experiences:

• See the beautifully sculpted pillars and idols of Vishnu, Rama, and Krishna.
• Take a holy dip at the confluence of three rivers (Triveni Sangam).
• Attend the Rajim Kumbh Mela (February – March).

 Location: Rajim (Near Raipur)
 Best Time to Visit: February – March (Rajim Kumbh Mela)

Highlight: A spiritual and architectural wonder, often compared to the temples of Odisha.

 5. Mahamaya Temple – The Twin Goddess Shrine

✅ Why Visit?

• A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya, worshipped in both Shakti and Vaishnavi forms.
• Over 900 years old, built during the Kalachuri dynasty.
• A major pilgrimage center, especially during Navratri.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Participate in Navratri celebrations, when the temple is beautifully decorated.
• Explore the nearby Ratanpur Fort, which adds to the historic charm.
• Experience the evening aarti in a peaceful spiritual setting.

 Location: Ratanpur (Bilaspur District)
 Best Time to Visit: September – March

Highlight: A rare temple that worships both Shakti and Vaishnavi deities together.

 6. Shivani Temple – The Temple of 9 Shiva Lingams

✅ Why Visit?

• A mystical Shiva temple featuring nine Shiva Lingams, each representing different aspects of Lord Shiva.
• Attracts thousands of devotees during Mahashivratri.
• Offers peaceful surroundings ideal for meditation and spirituality.

 Location: Dhamtari
 Best Time to Visit: February – March (Mahashivratri)

Highlight: A unique temple with multiple lingams, making it a powerful site for Shiva devotees.

 7. Jain Temples of Chhattisgarh – Ancient Digambara Heritage

✅ Why Visit?

• Chhattisgarh has a rich Jain heritage, with several ancient Jain temples and caves.
• Features stunning stone carvings, inscriptions, and statues of Tirthankaras.

✅ Best Places for Jain Pilgrimage:

• Malhar Jain Temple – Houses beautiful 11th-century Tirthankara statues.
• Sirpur Jain Temples – Known for intricate carvings and ancient inscriptions.
• Dongargarh Jain Temple – A serene hilltop temple with scenic views.

 Best Locations: Malhar, Sirpur, Dongargarh
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

Highlight: A must-visit for Jain devotees and history enthusiasts.