Samlur Shiva Temple
Historical Context and Worship: The Samlur Shiva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 11th-12th Century AD, a period when the Chindak Nagvanshi rulers held sway over the Bastar region. It represents a significant surviving example of the early medieval archit ectural heritage of Dantewada alongside the Danteshwari Temple and the ruins at Barsur. The temple is notable because it has remained almost entirely intact over the centuries and is still a site of regular worship, unlike many of the ruined temples in the nearby area. The continuation of rituals for nearly a millennium highlights its deep spiritual importance to the local community. The presiding deity, the Shiva Lingam, is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested) by some devotees. The temple's location in the quiet, forested village of Samlur gives it a secluded, contemplative atmosphere, which is highly prized by pilgrims and history enthusiasts. The simplicity of the shrine, compared to the grandeur of the main Danteshwari Temple, gives it a distinct, rustic charm, serving as a powerful reminder of the historical prevalence of Shaivism in the Bastar kingdom before the rise of the Kakatiyas. A Testament to Tribal Faith: The temple is also a melting pot where formal Hinduism merges seamlessly with local tribal beliefs. The deity here is often worshipped by local tribes as one of the many forms of their nature and forest Gods, integrating the shrine into the living culture of the surrounding hamlets. This syncretism of faith is a key element of the temple’s enduring legacy and charm.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Religious Place: Shiva TempleEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee for the Shrine: As an actively worshipped religious site, there is no formal entry fee for pilgrims and visitors to enter the Samlur Shiva Temple premises, adhering to the traditional Hindu principle of free access to public shrines.No Entry Fee for the Shrine: As an actively worshipped religious site, there is no formal entry fee for pilgrims and visitors to enter the Samlur Shiva Temple premises, adhering to the traditional Hindu principle of free access to public shrines.
Donations and Abhishekam Costs: Visitors can make a voluntary donation for the maintenance of the temple. For performing special Puja or Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam), there may be a nominal charge for the materials used and the services of the priest, which are usually very modest and should be discussed with the temple priest.
Parking and Local Services: Parking is typically informal, with no official charges. However, a small charge for local services like a village guide or a refreshment stall is to be expected and encouraged to support the local economy. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a small village temple, and there are no commercial tourist fee structures in place. The visit is extremely economical.Timing:
Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, aligning with the local village routine, with a possible short closing period during the early afternoon. As a regularly worshipped shrine, it is important to respect the timings of the daily rituals.Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, aligning with the local village routine, with a possible short closing period during the early afternoon. As a regularly worshipped shrine, it is important to respect the timings of the daily rituals.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is in the Morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) to witness the morning rituals in a calm and peaceful setting, or the Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to catch the end-of-day prayers and a cooler, serene atmosphere.
Respectful Visit Time: Since the temple is a functional village shrine, avoid visiting during the main Puja times unless you wish to participate in the prayer, and always maintain silence and reverence, particularly if the local villagers are offering prayers.Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri (Main Festival) The temple is the focal point for the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, which typically falls in February or March. Thousands of devotees throng the temple for special all-night prayers, fasts, and the traditional offering of milk and water to the Shiva Lingam. The at...Maha Shivaratri (Main Festival) The temple is the focal point for the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, which typically falls in February or March. Thousands of devotees throng the temple for special all-night prayers, fasts, and the traditional offering of milk and water to the Shiva Lingam. The atmosphere on this night is highly electric and devotional, with local cultural performances. Local Fair (Mela) The temple often hosts a small, localized fair (mela) a day or two after Maha Shivaratri or during a local harvest festival. This fair is purely a community event, featuring local vendors, simple rides, and traditional Bastar food, offering an authentic cultural immersion that is not centered on mass tourism.
Village Rituals: During the tribal festivals and Pandums (like Vijja Pandum in April or Phagun Mela in February-March), the temple is visited by the local tribal elders as part of a larger set of community rituals, symbolizing the integration of local deities with the greater Hindu pantheon.Best Photo Spots:
The Weathered Stone and Doorway: Focus on capturing the main temple entrance, paying attention to the details of the stone doorjambs and the contrast between the ancient, weathered masonry and the contemporary decorations offered by the devotees.The Weathered Stone and Doorway: Focus on capturing the main temple entrance, paying attention to the details of the stone doorjambs and the contrast between the ancient, weathered masonry and the contemporary decorations offered by the devotees.
The Nandi Statue: If a statue of Nandi (Lord Shiva's Bull) is present outside the shrine, it makes for a powerful, symbolic photo subject, often positioned to gaze directly at the main shrine.
Temple in the Green Frame: Position yourself at a respectful distance to capture the entire temple structure framed by the dense foliage and trees of the Samlur village, highlighting its secluded, rustic charm.
The Sunrise Shot: Given its eastern orientation, an early morning visit allows for a spectacular shot of the temple with the rising sun casting a golden glow on the ancient stone, symbolizing the enduring light of faith.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Participate in Temple Rituals: Attend the morning or evening Puja and Aarti to experience the temple's ancient spiritual energy firsthand. Witnessing the traditional rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must-do for a spiritual visitor.
Quiet Contemplation: Due to its low tourist traffic, the temple is an excellent spot for quiet meditation and spiritual contemplation, allowing a peaceful moment of connection away from commercial distractions.
Explore Samlur Village: Take a short, respectful walk through the surrounding Samlur village to experience the quiet, rural life of the Dantewada region and observe the traditional tribal and rural architecture of the homes.
Observe the Stone Carvings: Carefully examine the stone doorjambs and any remaining external panels ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Ancient and Intact Heritage: The temple is renowned for being one of the few ancient temples (11th-12th Century) in the Dantewada region that has remained almost completely intact and in continuous use for worship over the centuries, offering a tangible link to the Chindak N...Ancient and Intact Heritage: The temple is renowned for being one of the few ancient temples (11th-12th Century) in the Dantewada region that has remained almost completely intact and in continuous use for worship over the centuries, offering a tangible link to the Chindak Nagvanshi and Kalachuri eras of history.
A Local Spiritual Powerhouse: For the local populace and the villages surrounding Samlur, it is a key spiritual center, second only to the Danteshwari Temple. It is a major pilgrimage site during the Maha Shivaratri festival, drawing significant crowds and local devotees who consider the presiding Shiva Lingam to be highly potent and wish-fulfilling.
The Scenic Village Setting: Its location in the tranquil and green Samlur village, slightly away from the main road, contributes to its fame as a peaceful sanctuary for meditation and prayer. The temple provides a unique blend of spiritual pilgrimage and a short, refreshing rural getaway, away from the typical tourist crowds. -
Architecture:
Architectural Style and Lineage: The temple is believed to belong to the style prevalent during the Chindak Nagvanshi period (11th-12th Century AD), which generally adheres to a simpler version of the Nagara style of temple architecture, characteristic of Central India. The...Architectural Style and Lineage: The temple is believed to belong to the style prevalent during the Chindak Nagvanshi period (11th-12th Century AD), which generally adheres to a simpler version of the Nagara style of temple architecture, characteristic of Central India. The structure is built predominantly using local, dressed stone, featuring a robust and resilient construction, which accounts for its preservation.
Key Components and Simplicity: The temple consists of the core components of a Hindu shrine, including the Garbha Griha (sanctum), which houses the Shiva Lingam, and a small Mandap (hall) or an entrance area. The architecture is marked by its comparative simplicity, focusing on the sanctity of the sanctum rather than elaborate external carvings, though some intricate work may be found on the door frame (dwarapala).
Preservation and Dimension: The temple is a small-to-medium-sized structure, designed for devotion rather than royal display. Its simple, well-proportioned Shikhara (spire) rises above the Garbha Griha. Its longevity is a testament to the quality of the masonry and the continuous care by the local community. The temple's modest dimensions contribute to its secluded, sacred feel, allowing for a more intimate spiritual experience. It typically faces the east, a standard orientation for most Hindu temples, maximizing the effect of the sunrise on the deity. The structure's intact nature, unlike the ruins at Barsur, makes it a valuable study site for medieval Chhattisgarh's architecture. -
How To Reach:
By Air (Nearest Airport) Nearest major airports are Raipur (RPR) and Vishakhapatnam (VTZ), both approx. 400 KMs away. Take a taxi or bus to Dantewada city center first. By Train (Nearest Railway Station) The nearest railway station is Dantewada Railway Station (DWZ). From the station, the temple... -
Near Tourist Places:
Danteshwari Temple (Approx. 9 KMs) The main spiritual hub of the district. Kumarras Dam (Approx. 12 KMs) Scenic reservoir and picnic spot. Memory Pillars of Gamawada (Approx. 5 KMs) Historical tribal memorial site. Bailadila Mountains (Approx. 20 KMs to closest entry) Famous iron ore mining and viewing spots. Dholkal Ganesh Temple (Approx. 25 KMs to base village) A popular trekking destination. Barsur (35 KMs) Village of ancient temples (Battisa Temple, Mama-Bhanjaa Temple). Indul Jharna Waterfalls (Distance not provided, but nearby) Local natural attraction. Satdhar Waterfall (Approx. 40 KMs) Scenic spot where the Indravati river splits into seven parts. Ganesh Temple, Barsur (Approx. 35 KMs) Mammoth statue of Lord Ganesha. Mata Tapeshwari (19 KMs) Another local temple near Samlur.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The temple is in a remote village setting, so carry a basic first-aid kit and insect repellent. Ensure your phone is fully charged as local assistance may be distant.
Packing Essentials: Wear simple, conservative clothing (...
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Tamda Ghumar WaterfallTeerathgarh TempleTirathgarh WaterfallRaikera BoatingRajimSamoda DamShivrinarayanSirpur Forest RangeSwastik ViharaJharalava Waterfall JhirkaKirandul Iron Ore MinesKripar WaterfallMama-Bhanja TempleArang Dhuskund WaterfallKodar IslandPurkhauti MuktanganMandwa WaterfallMore PlacesNote:-
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