Vishnu Bhagwan Temple, Janjgir,Darshan Information

Located about 60 miles from Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, Chattisgarh, Vishnu Bhagwan Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed by King Hayhay Vansh during 12th century. Locally known as 'Nakata Mandir', the Vishnu bhagwan temple is standing in two portions in order to make one complete temple. Till date, the temple remains incomplete.

Location Basti, Janjgir, Chhattisgarh

Legend

According to the local legends, there was a competition between the Kings regarding the construction of the Shivrinarayana temple and Janjgir temple. They believed that Lord Vishnu will visit the temple that would be built first. Since the Shivrinarayana temple was built first, the Janjgir temple was left incomplete. According to another legend, once Vishwakarma and Bheema competed against each other to build a temple. The partner of Bheema was an elephant and during the construction, tools of Bheema fell into a water tank and he lost the competition. After losing, Bheema split the elephant into two in anger. A broken structure of an elephant can still be seen in the temple premises. According to the local legends, there was a competition between the Kings regarding the construction of the Shivrinarayana temple and Janjgir temple. They believed that Lord Vishnu will visit the temple that would be built first. Since the Shivrinarayana temple was built first, the Janjgir temple was left incomplete. According to another legend, once Vishwakarma and Bheema competed against each other to build a temple. The partner of Bheema was an elephant and during the construction, tools of Bheema fell into a water tank and he lost the competition. After losing, Bheema split the elephant into two in anger. A broken structure of an elephant can still be seen in the temple premise

Architecture

The construction of the Vishnu bhagwan temple began in the 12th century under the reigns of the Hayhay dynasty, but it was never completed. The temple was constructed in two parts standing independently. The temple does not have any Shikhara and that is the reason why the temple is called "Nakata mandir" or incomplete mandir. The temple is built of red clay bricks. There are many beautiful sculptures in the temple. A broken structure of an elephant can be seen in the temple premises.

Culture

The Culture prevailing in Raipur district is that of Chhattisgarh. 'Chhattisgarhi' is the local language that most of the people in this area love to converse in. Chhattisgarh culture in itself is very rich and interesting. 'Baigas' (traditional medical practitioners) apply their own methods (called Jhad phook) to cure diseases and snake bites etc. However, known for their modesty, kindness and adjustable nature people of this area are fond of variety in dressing, entertainment and way of living. This culture has unique styles of music and dance. Raut Nacha, Dewar Nacha, Panthi & Soowa, Padki and Pandwani are some of musical styles and dance dramas. Pandwani is a famous musical way of singing Mahabharata in this region. This particular music style has been brought into lime light by well known Teejan Bai and young Ritu Verma. Colourful dresses and variety of ornaments are worn by women and men of this part of country .