Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Raipur

Introduction to the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple is on the banks of the River Kharun in Chhattisgarh. It is one of the oldest temples in Raipur. Devotees visit this most sacred pilgrimage destination around the year. "Mahadev Ghat" is another name for it.

History of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Brahmadeo Rai of the Kalachuri Dynasty was ruling during the 13th century. His father was King Ramachandra. During his reign, Hajiraj Naik built the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. People in that region believed that the Shiva Linga in the sanctum was a self-manifestation. It was believed to be a very powerful one. Mahadev Hatkeshwar was the ancestral deity of Nagar Brahmins who lived in Vadnagar in ancient times.

The Architecture of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple

The Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple is in classic Indian architectural style. Hajiraj Naik built the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in 1402. The temple has a unique architecture with decorated walls. The intricate carvings on the walls depict stories from Hindu mythology.

The Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple has two entrances, one in the north and one in the south. It has a huge Shikara. This east-facing temple is enclosed by a high wall topped by three circular domes with flat stretches.

The exterior of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple is beautifully carved with statues of the nine planets, regent divinities, dancing angels, other deities of the Hindu religion, scenes from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, and floral themes. The temple wall has carvings of different animals, musicians, and dancers. The Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple complex is quite huge.

Hatkeshwar is the presiding deity who is an incarnation of Shiva. The sanctum houses a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga. Devotees can see the idols of Ram, Lakshman, Sita Devi, and Hanuman behind the Shiva Linga. An ancient Kasi Vishweshwara Shiva temple, a Swaminarayan temple, and two Jain temples are on the premises of Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Festivals in the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Maha Shivratri is an important festival celebrated with great zeal. Devotees from various parts of Chhattisgarh flock to the temple during this occasion. They take a holy bath in the river to purify themselves before making offerings to the deity. Holi, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and other Hindu festivals are also celebrated here.