Best Places Visiting in Shahdol – Temples, Dams & Natural Attractions

1.Bansagar Dam

Located in the tranquil vistas of Madhya Pradesh, India, Bansagar Dam – also commonly referred as Ban Sagar Dam, is an exemplary symbol of engineering marvels and livelihoods innovation. The project situated on the Son River, which is a tributary of the Ganges, provides vital support to the agriculture and power sectors of the region.

Strategic Importance

Located in the Ganges Basin, the dam satisfy domestic water need and support crop production of local farmers besides aiding to manage the River Ganges water for the use of nearby country. The Son River, with Origins in The Amarkantak Plateau ,Guarantees It Constant Flow to be Motivated efficiently by Dam To Regulate the Flushing and As a result break the Cycle of water Availability throughout the Year .

Tourism and Nature

Apart from being a useful project for irrigation, Bansagar Dam is a place of tranquil for tourists and nature lovers. The nearby place has a picturesque view, peaceful water bodies and a peek into India’s countryside. The lake is a fine place for picnics, birdwatching or for just sitting in quiet serenity watching the last of the sun set at the reservoir.

2.Kankali Mandir

Maa Kankali Devi Mandir situated in Antara village of Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh is a sacred temple. The temple is quite famous for its unique idol of Chamunda Mata, a statue conceived with 18 arms imagined to be from Kalchuri period. Devotees of this idol hold it in great regard as it as believed to be rare and sacred. ​

The temple draws a large number of devotees, more particularly on the occasion of Navratri festival when people come to seek blessings of Mata ji (Maa Kankali), hoping that there praying would be easily accepted. In the temple premises there is another shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva having twin Shivlingas of the same historical era. ​

Those who want to visit the temple need to know that the temple is nearly 10 kilometers away from the Shahdol district headquarter. The nearest Railway Station is in Shahdol providing easy approach for devotees and tourists. ​

The peaceful ambiance and architectural importance of Maa Kankali Devi Mandir adds to the spiritual experience making it a prominent pilgrim place as well as a historical site for all.​

3.Virat Mandir

The Virateshwar Temple, famously known as the Virat Mandir is one of the most renowned 11th century Shiva temples situated in Sohagpur, in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple is an esteemed specimen of Kalachuri architecture which had great religious operated.​

Historical Significance

The temple built between 950 and 1050 CE, by Maharaja Yuvraj Deva II of Kalachuri ruler was supposedly built as donation to the head of Golkaki Math. Some historians considers its construction to Karna Deva of the same dynasty.

Architectural Features

The temple of about 70 feet high, ornamented with intricate carvings and sculptures that consists of all sorts of religious tradition of Hindu, Vaishnava, Shakta, Saura, and Vedic gods. Its exterior walls show panels painted with the Jamali depicts scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchatantra and pictures of artha and kama (mithuna). Notably, the sukhanasika has a courtesan profile of Tandava Shiva of the calligraphic format displaying that of the Chandella and Paramara period artiestic value.

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