Visit to Danteshwari Temple Dantewada, Chhattisgarh
Danteshwari Temple Dantewada is one of the 42 Shakti Peeth in India. Hindus believe Shakti Peeths to be seats of cosmic power and there are 52 of them. Of these 42 Shakti Peeths in India; 10 in other countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka which makes the count 52. The story behind the origin of Shakti Peeths is an interesting one.
Story of Shakti Peeth
These are places where body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen after Lord Shiva refused to give up her dead body. Goddess Sati is believed to have immolated herself after her father Daksha humiliated her husband Lord Shiva. So deep is Lord Shiva’s love for His wife that He gets very angry and goes into a trance with Her dead body on His shoulders.
To stop Him from the mad trance Lord Vishnu cuts down the corpse of Goddess Sati little by little 52 times till nothing is left and Lord Shiva calms down. The various body parts are believed to be scattered all over Indian subcontinent.
It is believed that Her teeth fell in Dantewada and the temple that came up over it is Danteswari Temple. Last weekend I was lucky to visit the temple and seek blessings from Divine Maa Danteshwari.
History of Danteshwari Temple Dantewada
Danteshwari Temple is 6 hundred years old. Kings of Chalukya Dynasty built this temple in 14th century in South Indian architectural style. Idol of Divine Maa Danteshwari is chiselled out of black stone. Considering its age this temple is a wonderfully maintained heritage site and in good condition.
The main entrance is a huge gate, looks more like a fort wall and there is a spacious courtyard lined by several flower sellers.
Must Do at Danteshwari Temple
The one must do here is wrap a skirt (for women) or dhoti(for men) around you before you step into the interiors of the temple.
Interior of Danteswari Temple
Just like the other south Indian temples, this too has a series of mandap (halls) leading to main idol. I walked in past the pillars of mandap, through the rectangular openings made of plain granite. The ceilings are low, and walls lined with sculpted images.
Little bright red pouches contained the thanks of several innumerable devotees. After the garbha griha I entered the Maha mandap, a large hall. The walls were lined with several idols. I saw some locals bow with reverence at every idol’s feet.
The deity at Mukhya (main) mantap was wrapped with bright orange cloth, and the day being an auspicious one, it was evident special efforts were made to deck it up well. At the right of exit of maha mantap is a huge black idol of Lord Ganesha. The silver crown and bright white eyes of the idol did hold my attention for long.
The sabha mandap houses the main deity. There was a huge line to have the glimpse of the idol; locals seemed to have deep faith in the religious practices here. Through the crowding heads I managed to take Maa Danteshwari photo before the priests there shooed me away.
Other Sights Around the Temple
Danteshwari Temple is a must include destination in Dantewada tourism itinerary.
Besides the main temple this complex also houses another smaller temple dedicated to Bhuvaneshwari Devi. The interior of this temple too is dotted with several small idols. The main deity is made of black stone.
Danteshwari Temple Dantewada
Also don’t forget to pause by the river side. Just beside this temple flow the rivers Shankini and Dankini. The location is scenic and makes a great postcard perfect picture. The rivers are named after 2 female demons in the mythological story of Ramayana.
Shankhini River originates from Bailadila mountain range rich with iron ore deposits. The river turns chocolaty brown due to wastes from mines and mixes with clean water of Dankini near this Danteshwari Temple we were told.
River near Danteshwari Temple Dantewada
Also don’t miss trying to embrace the Garuda Stambha in front of the temple. It is believed if you can touch the fingers from both sides by embracing from behind your wishes will be fulfilled.
Another must visit from Dantewada is Dholkal which has an idol of Lord Ganesha from 9th century.
How to reach Danteshwari Temple Dantewada
Dantewada station is the nearest railway station. Nearest airport is Raipur at a distance of 280 km. You can reach the temple by bus or private cars.
Maa Danteshwari Temple Information
Address: Ward No. 5 , Danteshwari Ward Jai Stambh Chowk, Main Road, Dantewada, Chhattisgarh 494449
Coordinates: 18.89750654682079, 81.34490979205187
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
Tickets: It is a free sight
Photography: Allowed outside
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Thanks to Dantewada District Administration I could visit this Shakti Peeth. Read my visit to other Shakti Peeth Temples.
Thank you for writing such an interesting article on temple of chhattisgarh .I was not knowing about this place but after reading this wonderful article now I have some information about this place.
Ones again thanks a lot.
Wow! what a beautiful temple located in Chhattisgarh.I was not knowing about this temple.
The images of the temple ,sculpture inside the temple are extra ordinary.
I am amazed to know that photography is allowed here as I have also visit some temple and in that photography is ban.
Thanks !
The Shaktipeeths are loaded with Power packed Energy and Vibes : can actually feel the Positive Vibes of this Place while reading it 🙂 the Black stone Idols with Fierce Red Chunnis is such a Visual treat along with Vibrant Frames. Loved the Post and so glad that Photography is allowed here 🙂
WOW. Have been to quite a few Shakti peeths and I must say the vibes are terrific. I am so glad you could click and share the vibrance of the temple! Loved the post!
I love visiting these kind of historic sites which offer such a unique insight into the history and culture of past generations. Danteshwari Temple is definitely going to be on our list of temples to visit when we manage a trip 🙂
I really enjoy learning of these stories and the history of temples. And you’re right, for being 600 years old it really looks to be in great condition! About how long do the bus rides take to get there?
A nicely written blog post in sharing temples & religious. Learnt more about different culture here. Thanks for sharing it. Love all your nice photo capture in particular I love to visit places full of culture. Cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing
I love learning about other cultures and feel like I am there through the photos (: The temple is beautiful and seems so peaceful!
I wrote my thought here , but it is not visible now Indrani ji ?
It is very much there Yogi ji. Scroll up you can see it. 🙂 Thank you!
It’s one of those good temples for peace and calm. I have been there. No rush.
Interesting, good thing they allow photos inside the temple. The history behind the temple is fascinating! hank you for sharing.
There is lot untapped wealth in the state of Chattisgarh,landscapes,temples and other cultural things.Well done.
The statues are very unique and interesting. Their stories and why they exist must be really something to know. The colors are so vivid and the expressions on the faces worth knowing about.
So divine! 🙂 Great post Indrani! More such posts please..
Great Indrani.
Nice that you are covering the ShaktiPeeths.
Do visit Odisha too. Lots of Peeths here 🙂
Very interesting post with the history, pics and serene surroundings…
You must have taken a security cover in that area I assume…but to visit a temple one has to have faith and spirit! Well done Indrani!
I’ve always been enthusiastic about culture, religion, and history why certain places are made. I may not have my passport yet but it’s nice learning about foreign places and even if I only see them through someone’s photograph I’d like to think I’m actually seeing them in person. What I also love about traveling is not all the time we have the freedom of what we wanted to wear, I love how some certain places require its visitors/travelers to wear appropriate attires. The rules may be for respecting the location but I’d like to think of it as an opportunity to embrace and experience their culture.
We always love to read your posts on historical temples as there is so much information on each one of them, from its rich history to architecture!
India is truly a magical place. A temple 600 years old! I am very impressed! The photos are amazing too, captures the story so well.
India is a country with such rich culture and history but I have never heard of the Shakti Peeth. I love the content and the photos on your post, looking forward to your future articles. Thank you again for sharing this. =)
Shakti Peeths are very sacred place for us . Danteshwari is a beautiful place to visit . Indrani ji , There is one Shakti peeth in Pakistan “Hinglaj -Katasraj Temple ” but can you write about others ? located in other countries ?
Beautiful temple, I’d love to visit at least one of the 52. Also, the story behind the origin of Shakti Peeths is a really interesting one.
The legend behind Shakthi Peeth, is so fascinating. I have always loved to listen to these as a kid and am still amazed by these and other Hindu mythological stories. The temple in Dantewada is really beautiful and packs in a solid history too.
Shakti Peets has very important role in Hindu religion, good to know about this Peeth.
always loved to visit such places, thanks for sharing.
The place surely has a story to tell. IT looks like well-maintained because it doesn’t look like 600 years old. I hope architecture like this here in our country will be maintain like theirs for it’s really clean and looks managed.
a good contribution the sakhthi peethas are 1o8 in india but the information added is good
Interesting story behind the temple. Like your post since one can really learn something new coming from different culture. Thanks for sharing!
I love learning about other cultures and feel like I am there through the photos (: The temple is beautiful and seems so peaceful!
Really beautiful temple. Would love to visit it soon. Nice Photographs and information about how to visit the temple
I didn’t know that Shakti Peeths are located even outside of India. I want to go to them all. I have been to many already. Did you know that Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore is also a Shakti Peeth. I didn’t when I visited there, came to know later.
I love reading about Indian history. The stories are always so fascinating. Imagine a temple being made out of a goddess’s teeth. The temple is quite beautiful and I especially like the striking statues made from black stone.
It is impressing how old this temple is. The photos are really amazing and I have never heard about this particular temple before. With every post I read about India, my wish to go there grows.
Your blog is fantastic and this post makes me want to go to India. The story behind the Danteshwari Temple Dantewada is also very interesting. I feel like, even though I am not Hindu, I can absorb the cosmic power that runs in the walls of this sacred place. I will definitely share this to my friend. She will visit India this year??
I’m always so fascinated about the gods/goddesses and traditions in India and love that there are still temples such as this that are not frequented by too many tourists due to it’s out-of-the-way location. I’m sure it would be more than worth the effort for those traveling the 84km to get there!
I get to learn about India and the religion by reading your blog. Good to know a bit of history before checking out the temple for a Filipina like me who haven’t been to India. Made me understand more about the place. :)I like how the people were able to preserved the history. One question though, is there any significance why the deity is made up of black stone and the others were not?
Other idols too are made out of black stone, it may be due to availability. I will try and find more on this.
What an interesting history and story the temple has. It sounds like it would be difficult to get to for visitors without their own transport but worth it for the experience.
I love all the stories of Indian gods and goddesses. When I was doing my yoga foundation I learned about some of them but can never remember them later. Beautiful temple
Wonderful story and this place looks so beautiful so rich with culture.
So much history and interesting temples to visit in India. Really nice to find out about these places. Thank you for sharing!
I wasn’t knowing that we have 42 Shakti peeths. Danteshwari temple is beautiful. I will be checking your posts to know more about our temples. Thankyou !
I’m not really so familiar with the religion but I realized that I actually know parts of it already. There was a manga that I read that is based on Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. The temple looks amazing! Judging from how it looks, it definitely has been preserved well.
This is a very impressive temple and the photos are great. I would love to see them in my next India trip.
JM | Man Of Wanders
Such a lovely temple! It’s interesting to learn the history and see the red pouches full of offerings. I love all the vibrate colors of the flowers on the idols.
What a wonderful place to visit. Thank you for your photographs. They let me explore alongside you, so lovely.
Astounding photos. Nice to read a bit of India and what it can offer to the world.
Beautiful pictures!! This place seems peaceful and calm!! Its beautiful 🙂
Wow this is so beautiful.. have lived in India for 23 years but never visited this. Thanks so much for sharing.
Danteshwari Temple Dantewada is so attractive. The history and beliefs behind the temple is fascinating. We’d like to see this place for ourself.
I love your photographs they tell a story on their own. Really interesting about the temple. The carvings are amazing also. Interesting that you need to wrap a skirt for women to enter.
The temple looks amazing! The carvings and statues are so intricate. And the flower garlands are so vibrant. Absolutely stunning!
Beautiful photos. Nice post.
Greetings.
Really interesting to read about the temple, and the ancient stories linked to it. The statues are very beautiful; is there any significance to the face that some are made out of black stone and others aren’t?
Wow! I have never heard about this temple before. Thanks for sharing such beautiful place and history!
Also is great to see that photography is allowed, I would’ve thought temples didn’t allow it.
Thanks!
Beautiful temple. Nice to see that photography is allowed inside the temple.