Mama Bhanja Temple, Barsoor, A Shiva temple in south Chhattisgarh (11th century)
Mama Bhanja Temple is a stone structure in Barsoor standing about 50 feet (15 meters) tall on a raised base with a curved roof tower. The walls are decorated with carved patterns of lotus flowers and leaves that cover much of the building's exterior.
This temple was built during the Chhindaka-Naga dynasty between the 10th and 13th centuries. It reflects how religious architecture developed during that period in the region.
The temple walls display carvings of gods and goddesses that reflect the artistic traditions of the region. Visitors can see how artisans expressed their spiritual beliefs through stone work across the building's surfaces.
The site is maintained by India's Archaeological Survey and is open to visitors daily. Plan to walk around the building to view the carvings from different angles and see the details at close range.
Local stories say this building was completed in a single day by two relatives of a ruling family. This account is shared by local people and noted in regional historical records.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
