Kalachuri Temples, Amarkantak

Getting there

• By air

  Jabalpur and Raipur are the nearest airports, about 228 km and 230 km away.

• By train

  The closest railhead is Pendra Road in Chhattisgarh, 42 km from Amarkantak.

• By road

  Amarkantak is 71 km from Anuppur, the district headquarters. Direct buses run from Rewa, Allahabad, Mandla, Seoni, Bilaspur, Katni, Jabalpur and Raipur.

Why devotees come here

The Kalachuri temples at Amarkantak, in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, were built between the 10th and 13th centuries. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the group for its historical and architectural significance. The town is also the birthplace of the Narmada, Son and Johila rivers.

The name Amarkantak is said to mean 'immortal source'. The sacred landscape here is the setting for the Kalachuri temples, which the Archaeological Survey of India now preserves.

The Kalachuri dynasty ruled from their capital at Tripuri, present-day Tewar near Jabalpur. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, their reign saw a series of temples built here. The Karna Mandir, also called Triayatana Temple, was commissioned by King Karna Dahaliya. It has three shrines built upon a single high platform, facing different directions. Despite partial damage, the central and northern shrines are well preserved. Its plan is the seven-projection Saptaratha plan, rare for the region.

The Keshavanarayana Temple is a twin-shrine complex in the five-projection Pancharatha format, dedicated to Vishnu. The Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva and was built by the Kalachuri king Karnadeva. Its deep-set sanctum is reached by descending steps from the raised mandapa, a rare example in the region. Door jambs and lintels carry creeper patterns and rosette motifs.

Festivals

• WinterNarmada Jayanti, Makar Sankranti and Shiv Chaturdashi

  Celebrated in winter with great enthusiasm in Amarkantak.

Tips for your visit

• Avoid the peak summer season, when the heat is scorching.
• The Machhendranath and Pataleshwar shrines flank the Keshavanarayana Temple, each with its own features.
• The Keshavanarayana Temple stands nearby.

Questions people ask