Bhand Deul is a 9th Century Shrine Amidst 21st Century Village in Arang

Arriving Bhand Deul temple in Arang, Chhattisgarh is an experience of its own kind. Between the narrow streets of a village, clearing natural hurdles like goats and cows etc, all of a sudden it appears.

The scene on arrival at Bhand Deul temple demonstrate an amazing perspective, little different from other locations in Chhattisgarh. It’s a routine village view, like a daily needs shop, narrow lanes and pet animals running around. And a generic undistinguished noise that almost hints of an active village area. Amidst all these stands this epic monument from 9th Centaury, the Bhand Deul Temple. An epic tale of a developed civilization from 9th century is standing tall in a panoramic view of 21st century village.

Bhand Deul temple is about an hour drive from Raipur on Arang Road. You can use Google Maps for this location. Also, you might as well combine this destination on your trip to Sirpur as it’ll just consume one more hour of a max and is on the way. 

The Bhand Deul Temple

Bhand Deul temple belongs to the Jain sect and devoted to Tirthankaras, the saviours and the spiritual teachers of dharma. Ajitanatha, Neminath and Shreyanasanatha are the three Tirthankaras carved on a highly polished black stone at this place. Also, BhandDeul is also one of the rare temple which has all 24 Jain Tirthankaras carved on a single stone.

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The Bhand Deval temple is a monument built in the 11th Century but it is now amidst a neighborhood. The place is now a very unique mix of 9th century architecture vs the new age village with huts, departmental stores, cattles and pets. In the heart of the temple are three tirthankaras, Ajitanatha, Neminath and Shreyanasanatha who are saviors and spiritual teachers of dharmas in distinguish polished black stone. #chhattisgarh

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According to the literature, Haihaya dynasty rulers constructed this temple during 9th Centuary AD. Bhand Deval temple has meticulously sculpted walls. The front face of the temple has been destroyed due to a catastrophe in the ancient times. The exterior walls demonstrate Urusringas and images of jain Tirthankaras Yaksha-Yakshis. In addition, these walls also depicts erotic couples.

If you’ve been traveling Chhattisgarh and talking of erotic sculptures, Bhoramdev is the temple which will immediately cross your mind.

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The plan was to drive Sirpur and figure out the changes it has been through so far. On a halt having gol-gappas at the bus stop in Arang I overheard about an ancient Jain temple very close by. Obviously, started driving towards it. It is withered out, the atwork from the front and back has shed away but unlike any other remains from 9th-11th Century of Chhattisgarh, this one is a sure surprise. While others are developed into a tourist spot, this Jain temple is right in the middle of common residence area. The sound of utensils, people yelling at children as they run behind car out of freewill, goats and cows making sounds to add a tinge of their presence in the ambience… and this archaic monument. As apparent in the picture, the while wall behind this temple is someone's house and so is the surrounding. Well, from a song I knew that love can be found in the strangest places, but an ancient monument somewhere had the same feeling is something really new for me. #ancient #chhattisgarh

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Towards the base, one can see carvings of elephants, swans, horses and moments of celebration. One of the sides appears compressed, pushing an array of sculptures little back from top to bottom. So, either it’s just our interpretation or the people in those days had an extraordinary talent for details. This temple has stood the test of times but grown a bit weak. To add strength there’s now a metal strap tied around its periphery.

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These walls are closing into each other and in the process these sculptures seems to be like smothering in between. Not sure if that's how it was made or it's an outcome of time, need more reference. Many portion of this temple is destroyed and there are metal braces to give much needed strength to the structure. An idol of Adinath was recently found in the excavation during May 2017. The temple is beautifully placed between village and makes the sight very unique as it blends pilgrim of 9th Century with huts and houses of 19th Century. #travel #traveler #wanderlust #explore #CNTGiveItAShot #tripotocommunity #lonelyplanet #nature #beautifuldestinations #places #worldtravel #natgeo #freedom #worldbestgram #view #photography #photooftheday #life #yourshot_india #beautiful #tbt #amazing #like4like #followme #follow #me #shotoniphone #chhattisgarh

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About Arang

This place does not offer more than this unique monument but of course, it got to be on your list if you’ve already started on roads of Arangh. To be noted, there’s only a little known about Bhand Deul in the literatures. We wanted to know why this temple is here, what was around it. But the place is now an elaborated village. This temple is about an hour away from Sirpur, an ancient civilization discovered during the excavation projects of 2006 and older. We know this city for so many historic remains, temples and places of religious importance. There must be so many secrets yet to be discovered from this holy city of Arang in Chhattisgarh.

Near By

• Sirpur
• Barnawapara Forest Reserve
• Kodar Dam
• Bagh Deval