Temple that attracts electricity

The walls of Gaj Mandir tell its glorious story

Anuppur (Team Newsbuddy): Anuppur district, with immense tourism potential, is also famous for its archaeological importance. While on one hand Amarkantak is the origin place of the sinner and life-giving Maa Narmada, on the other hand there are the much-discussed Shivlahra caves of the first century. Not only this, statues, remains, sites and traditions of archaeological importance are prevalent in every corner of the district and the river banks, for the preservation and wide publicity of which every possible continuous effort is being made by the district administration and Madhya Pradesh Tourism. Similarly, the walls of Gaj Mandir, with its archaeological importance and glorious history, are still alive. Historians say that it was located 30 km from Benibari in Pushparajgarh. Many statues and remains are lying at a distance of two kilometers from this village. At present there are only two walls at the back. This historic temple was situated on the banks of the Narmada River. However, its grandeur can be estimated by looking at the carvings on the walls of the temple currently available. Presently it has been reinstalled in Ladli Laxmi Park located in the district headquarters.

Saptarathi temple facing east

According to Assistant Professor Dr. Hira Singh Gond, this is a Saptarathi temple facing east. Due to its slanting shape, its horizontal part is not known. But it seems that the Mukha-Mandala must have been planned, most parts of this temple are built on high ground. The remaining two walls of the temple are very important from the point of view of sculpture. The idol of Narasimha is shown on the chariot on the right side of the temple. There is a chakra in the right hand and a conch in the left hand. There is a standing idol of Hari-Hara in the Dev-Koshta. There is Garuda on the left and a bull on the right holding Lord Shiva, there is a crown on the head, a trident on the right hand, the upper left hand is slightly broken holding a conch. On both sides of the main chariot, there is a statue of Shardul and Nayika in both rows in the Dwibhuji Devi. There is a standing idol of Vishnu in the upper Devkoshta on the main chariot. Lord Vishnu has a chakra in the lower hand and a conch in the left upper hand, a mace in the right lower hand. In the Dev-Koshtha, devotees are standing on the chariot in Sambhang Mudra with folded hands on both sides. The wheels of the chariot can be clearly seen. The charioteer is also engraved. Bhu-Devi is also standing at the feet. There are statues of Mithun, Nayika and Shardul in a row on both sides of the chariot. The presence of Chaturbhuj Vishnu in the middle of the Sirdal and the importance of Vishnu statue on the outside proves that this is a Vishnu temple.

Preservation efforts continue

However, according to legends, this temple used to attract lightning, due to which lightning always fell on this temple. This is why it is known as Gaj Mandir. In an effort to save the temple and its grand history, a few years ago, the district administration of Anuppur reinstalled the temple remains in Ladli Laxmi Park located in the district headquarters and since then the walls of this historic grand temple have remained a center of attraction for the local people and tourists visiting the park.