Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Ratanpur temples contains 3 temples namely Mahamaya Devi temple, Kanthi Dewal temple and Panchamukhi Shiva temple. Mahamaya Devi temple was constructed in Nagar style of architecture and Kanthi Dewal temple was constructed in Mughal style of architecture.

Temple Walls : Mahamaya Devi temple is surrounded by a 18 inch thick boundary wall and supported by sixteen stone columns. The walls of the Kanthi Dewal temple are decorated with sculptures dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries. Most notable amongst these sculptures are the Shaal Bhanjika (a lady feeding her child), Lingodhbhava Shiva and Kalchuri King.

Nature of Stone & Quarry for stone : Kanthi Dewal temple was made of red stone and Panchmukhi Shiva temple was made of entire white marble.

MAHAMAYA DEVI TEMPLE : The Mahamaya temple is built in Nagara style of architecture facing north beside a huge water tank. One can see the scores of ancillary temples, domes, palaces and forts now, which once housed the temple and the royal house of Ratanpur Kingdom. Within the complex, there is also temple of Kantideval, which is oldest of the cluster and is said to have been built by a build ascetic named Santosh Giri in 1039, later expanded by Kalchuri King Prithivideva-II in the 15th century. It is having four gates and beautiful carvings. It has also been restored by Archaeological Survey of India. The sanctum and the mandapa are fortified with a fascinated courtyard, which was built in Maratha period in the late 18th century. A few kilometers away there are ruins of ancient 11th century old Kadeideol Shiva temple located on a hill top of ruined fort, built by Kalchuri rulers, who were followers of Shiva & Shakti. This temple is also being planned for restoration by the archaeological department. People throng the temple during Navaratri festival, when Jyotikalash is lit to appease the mother goddess. The guardian of the temple is considered to be Kalbhairva, whose temple is located on the approach road to the temple on the highway. 

KANTHI DEWAL TEMPLE : Mahamaya Devi Mandir is octagonal shaped shrine.

PANCHAMUKHI SHIVA TEMPLE : Lord Shiva with his magnificent five faces graces us in this temple. The five faces are named Sadyojat, Vamdev, Aghor, Tatpurush and Ishan. The four faces of Shiva represent the four directions. The fifth face which points skywards is the universal face symbolic of purity and spiritual progress. Also five faces represent five elements Prithvi, Varun, Vayu, Agni and Akash. Anything in the Universe is made of these five elements in different proportions.