Weekend getaway: Markanda Devasthan
October 3, 2017
On Sunday, we visited this 1200 year old temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva near Chamorshi in Gadchiroli district. Built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty on the banks of the Wainganga river, only 18 of the original 24 temples remain. When we visited, around 6 temples were accessible, while the remaining were cordoned off by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for renovations. The temples are intricately carved and reminiscent of Khajuraho. Only wish they were better preserved and maintained. There is a Dashavatar temple too which was cordoned off by ASI- wish I could have seen that. Must be great.
The Wainganga river flows nearby where a big fair is held on Mahashivratri day
The main temple. The place is named after Rishi Markandeya, who was a Shiva devotee
Beautifully carved statues of deities and animals adorn the exterior of the temples
