Danteswari Temple

This popular and sacred 600-year-old temple is dedicated to Ma Danteshwari, a local goddess and an incarnation of Shakti. The temple was built in the South Indian style of temple architecture by the Chalukya kings, in the 14th century. The idol of the Goddess is chiseled out of black stone.

It is believed that this temple possesses many divine powers. It is situated in a spacious courtyard and is surrounded by massive walls. There are four parts of the temple, namely, Maha Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Garbh Griha, and Mukhya Mandap.

The temple is also inclusive of a Garud Pillar at the entrance and a shikhara that is adorned with sculptural finery.
The temple is considered a representation of the socio-religious-cultural history of the Bastar region. Every year, during Dusshera, many tribal people from neighboring villages gather at this temple to pay homage to the goddess.

The Danteshwari Temple serves as the most important spiritual center for the people of this region, owing to its rich sculptural and architectural wealth and its vibrant festive traditions. It is also popular as one of the 52 ‘Shakti Pithas’ in India and derived its name from the belief that a tooth of Devi Sati fell at this place.

History of Danteshwari Temple

The Danteshwari Temple is a 600-year-old temple and has been a witness to the rich history of India. The temple was built by the Chalukyas in the south, during the 14th Century in the Bastar region. According to the legends, Goddess Sati committed self-immolation in the fire pit of yagna kund as a result of being insulted by her father, Daksha.

Lord Shiva, raged by her death, destroyed the Yaga of Daksha, after which Lord Vishnu had to cut the body of Sati and scatter it across fifty-two different places in India. It is considered one of the fifty-two Shakti Peethas of Sati, the divine feminine, spread by Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that the tooth of Sati fell during the episode when all these Shakti shrines were created. The temple has been a spiritual center since the 14th century, and people visit the temple every year to get peace, enlightenment, and satisfaction.

Architecture of the Danteshwari Temple

The Danteshwari Temple was constructed during the 14th century by the Chalukyas. It has great architecture and cultural wealth. The temple stands in a spacious courtyard and is surrounded by huge walls.

It is divided into four parts which include, the Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbha Griha and Maha Mandap are made of stone pieces. There is a Garuda pillar which is located at the entrance of the temple. The idol of Goddess Danteshwari is chiseled out of black stone.

The beauty of the Shikhara is marked by the sculptural finery. Hence the architecture of the temple has greatly contributed to attracting visitors and resembles the spirituality and history of the temple.