Malhar
Sub Place Details: Malhar is one of the most significant archaeological sites in India, representing a continuous history from the Maurya period to the Kalachuri era. Once a flourishing city on the ancient trade route from Kausambi to Puri, it served as a major center of power and culture in the Sou th Kosala region. The site was extensively excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India, revealing a treasure trove of statues, inscriptions, and temple ruins. The most famous attraction here is the Pataleshwar Temple, which features a unique underground sanctum. Another major highlight is the Didneshwari Devi temple, where the deity is worshipped in a form that dates back centuries. The site also houses a museum where hundreds of excavated idols are displayed, including rare representations of Lord Vishnu and Buddhist deities. The presence of Buddhist stupas and viharas indicates that Malhar was a melting pot of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. The village itself is built over the ruins of the ancient city, and it's common to see centuries-old stone blocks incorporated into modern houses. The historical depth of Malhar is rivaled only by Sirpur in Chhattisgarh. Scholars believe that the city began to decline around the 13th Century after the fall of the Kalachuri dynasty. Today, it stands as a silent witness to the grandeur of ancient India, attracting historians, students, and spiritual seekers. The mud fort surrounding the ancient settlement is still visible in parts, giving a sense of the city's old strategic importance. For any traveler to Bilaspur, Malhar offers a profound journey back in time, showcasing the artistic and architectural brilliance of ancestors who lived here over 2000 years ago.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Archaeological / HistoricalEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Nominal Charges: Entry to the main temple sites is free. However, the ASI Museum has a nominal fee of 25 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners. Children below 15 years of age are usually allowed free entry. ...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Nominal Charges: Entry to the main temple sites is free. However, the ASI Museum has a nominal fee of 25 INR for Indians and 300 INR for foreigners. Children below 15 years of age are usually allowed free entry.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the museum and most fenced sites. The temples remain accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon in November is perfect as t...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the museum and most fenced sites. The temples remain accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Ideal Visit Time: Late afternoon in November is perfect as the sun is not too harsh and the light is ideal for photography.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Malhar Mahotsav: An annual cultural festival organized by the government in January to promote the site's heritage.
Maha Shivratri: Large crowds gather at the Pataleshwar temple for o...Sub Place Special Event:
Malhar Mahotsav: An annual cultural festival organized by the government in January to promote the site's heritage.
Maha Shivratri: Large crowds gather at the Pataleshwar temple for overnight vigils and prayers.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Pataleshwar Entrance: The ornate stone doorway with its deep shadows is a classic shot.
The Open-Air Museum: Rows of ancient statues lined up under the trees make for a very powerf...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Pataleshwar Entrance: The ornate stone doorway with its deep shadows is a classic shot.
The Open-Air Museum: Rows of ancient statues lined up under the trees make for a very powerful and evocative image.
The Sunset over Ruins: The orange light of the setting sun hitting the red sandstone ruins creates a majestic glow.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Sub Place Things to Do:
Museum Tour: Spend at least an hour in the local ASI museum to see the exquisite collection of stone idols and ancient coins.
Exploring Pataleshwar Temple: Descend into the cool, underground sanctum to see the ancient Shiva Lingam.
Temple Hopping: Visit the Didneshwari, Deori, and Kedareshwar temples, each representing a different architectural style.
Photography: The weathered stone textures and ancient ruins provide a dramatic backdrop for black-and-white photography.
Interacting with Locals: Many villagers are well-versed in the folklore of the ruins; talking to them adds a layer of local color to your visit.
Study of Inscriptions: If y...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
Ancient Trade Hub: It is famous for being a key junction on the ancient Silk Route within India, connecting the northern plains to the eastern coast.
Rare Statues: It houses the earliest...Why Famous Sub Place:
Ancient Trade Hub: It is famous for being a key junction on the ancient Silk Route within India, connecting the northern plains to the eastern coast.
Rare Statues: It houses the earliest known four-armed statue of Vishnu in the world, dating back to the 2nd Century BCE. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Panchayatana Style: Many temples in Malhar follow the Panchayatana layout. The Pataleshwar Temple is built of grey basalt and features a sanctum located 2 meters below the ground level.
D...Sub Place Architecture:
Panchayatana Style: Many temples in Malhar follow the Panchayatana layout. The Pataleshwar Temple is built of grey basalt and features a sanctum located 2 meters below the ground level.
Dimensions and Carvings: The main temple platform measures 20x15 meters. The carvings on the doorjambs are incredibly detailed, showing the evolution of art from the Gupta to the Medieval period. The Buddhist Vihara ruins show a large central courtyard of 30x30 meters surrounded by small cells for monks. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Raipur Airport is about 160 KMS away. One can take a taxi via Bilaspur.
By Train: Bilaspur Junction is the nearest major station (40 KMS). From there, you can hire a private ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Tala (30 KMS), 2. Madku Dweep (45 KMS), 3. Bilaspur City (40 KMS), 4. Shivrinarayan (50 KMS), 5. Kharod (55 KMS), 6. Ratanpur (50 KMS), 7. Lutra Sharif (45 KMS), 8. Energy Park (38 KMS), 9. Arpa River (5 KMS), 10. Pali (70 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: Wear comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat, as there is limited shade between the different temple sites.
Packing: Carry a power bank for your phone/camera and som...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(484+) of Chhattisgarh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Tamda Ghumar WaterfallTeerathgarh TempleTirathgarh WaterfallRaikera BoatingRajimSamoda DamShivrinarayanSirpur Forest RangeSwastik ViharaJharalava Waterfall JhirkaKirandul Iron Ore MinesKripar WaterfallMama-Bhanja TempleArang Dhuskund WaterfallKodar IslandPurkhauti MuktanganMandwa WaterfallMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bandhwa Talab
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bilasa Tal Vasundhara Udyan
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bubble Island
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chaiturgarh Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chandani Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhath Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Devrani-Jethani Temples, Tala
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Giraudpuri Dham
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jhojha Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities