Shiva temple, Bhumara

The Shiva temple at Bhumara is a Hindu shrine in Satna with a square layout and an elevated platform supporting a central chamber that houses the sanctum. The structure displays skilled stonework, though many original carvings have been moved to museums for preservation.

The shrine was built during the 5th century in the Gupta period and later became overgrown with dense vegetation until archaeologists rediscovered it in 1920. This rediscovery led to scholarly study and documentation of an important early Hindu monument.

The temple displays Hindu worship practices through carved images of gods like Ganesha and Surya, along with representations of sacred rivers carved into its stone walls. Visitors can see these religious symbols still visible today and understand which deities were honored at this site.

The temple sits in a rural area and is best reached on foot or with local transport. Visitors should bring adequate water in warm months and be prepared for uneven ground around the site.

At the center of the shrine stands a roughly 6-foot-high Linga adorned with fine carvings that resemble jewelry details and show a single face of the deity. This skillfully crafted idol is a rare example of the detailed sculpture work that was possible at that time.