Mama Bhanja Temple Barsur: An Ancient Stone Temple of Lord Shiva

The Mama Bhanja Temple in Barsur is one of the most remarkable yet lesser-known heritage monuments of Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh. This ancient stone-built temple stands as a silent witness to the architectural brilliance of the Chhindak Naga dynasty, which once ruled the Bastar region.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is an important example of early medieval temple architecture in central India.
Constructed around the 13th century CE, the Mama Bhanja Temple is renowned for its well-preserved structure and simple yet powerful design.

Unlike many temples of the same period, this shrine does not rely on heavy sculptural decoration. Instead, it impresses visitors with its balanced proportions, solid stone construction, and elegant vertical form.

The most striking feature of the Mama Bhanja Temple Barsur is its survilinear shikhara, which rises to a height of 15.24 meters above the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The shikhara is crowned with a well-developed amlaka, symbolizing spiritual elevation and cosmic order.

Architecturally, the temple follows a pancharatha plan, meaning the walls are articulated with five projections, giving depth and rhythm to the exterior structure. Interestingly, the temple's outer walls are devoid of sculptural embellishments.

This simplicity highlights the structural purity of the temple and reflects a regional architectural style that focused more on form than ornamentation. The stone masonry has survived centuries of weathering, making the temple an important archaeological asset of Barsur.

The historical authenticity of the Mama Bhanja Temple is supported by an inscription found on the temple platform, written in Telugu characters. Based on this inscription, historians have dated the temple to circa the 13th century CE, firmly placing it within the Chhindak Naga dynasty period.

This inscription also indicates the cultural and linguistic connections between Bastar and the Deccan region during medieval times.

Today, the Mama Bhanja Temple Barsur attracts historians, archaeologists, spiritual seekers, and heritage travelers who wish to explore the hidden gems of Chhattisgarh. Surrounded by the ruins of ancient Barsur, once known as Dwarasamudra, the temple adds immense historical value to the region.

For anyone interested in Chhattisgarh heritage tourism, ancient Shiva temples, or medieval Indian architecture, the Mama Bhanja Temple is a must-visit, blending history, spirituality, and timeless stone craftsmanship.