Rajiv Lochan Temple

Getting there

• By road

  Rajim lies about 50 km from Raipur, the state capital of Chhattisgarh.

Why devotees come here

Rajiv Lochan Temple stands in Rajim, a pilgrimage town in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. The main deity is Vishnu in a four-armed form called Rajiva-Lochana. Rajim is also called the Prayag of Chhattisgarh.

Rajim is the main pilgrimage town of Gariaband district. The temple here is dedicated to Vishnu in a four-armed form called Rajiva-Lochana. In older times, devotees held that a pilgrimage to the Puri Jagannath temple was not complete until they had paid their respects to Rajiv Lochan. The temple also lies on the route to Jagannath Dham and draws thousands of pilgrims every year. The town is also called Panchkashi, because of its five Shiva lingams.

Legends give different accounts of the temple's origin. One says the craftsman deity Vishvakarma designed the temple. Another says the mythical king Jagat Pal raised the whole structure in a single day. A third says King Ratnakar was granted a boon to see Vishnu in this form forever.

The temple is dated to the 8th century CE, though some historians, including Alexander Cunningham, date it to the 5th century. The first inscription says Vilasatunga of the Nala dynasty built it. The temple is made of brick, with a mandapa, an ante-chamber and a sanctum topped by a shikhara. It follows the panchayatana style, with four smaller shrines at the corners of the courtyard. Its doorways, pillars and pilasters are carved with Hindu gods and goddesses.

Festivals

• Magh Purnima to Maha ShivaratriRajiv Lochan Kumbhmela

  Festivities begin at the Triveni Sangam on Magh Purnima and culminate on Maha Shivaratri.

Tips for your visit

• The ride from Raipur, about 50 km, runs through mud roads.
• The Kumbh fair closes on Maha Shivaratri, so check the fair dates before you travel.
• The temple is on the route to Jagannath Dham, so pilgrims heading to Puri can include it on the way.

Questions people ask