Icon of Duty with Determination

The Krishnarjun Rath,                                                                                                   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Niagara Falls of India "Chitrakoot Fall"

The Chitrakoot Falls (Hindi: चित्रकोट जलप्रपात) is a waterfall located near Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River. The height of the falls is about 29 metres (95 ft).The breadth of the waterfall varies, as the water level in the river goes down drastically during summer. However during a monsoon the river touches both the banks and is filled with silt. In contrast, during summer the water carries no silt and looks different.

 Chitrakoot Falls is also called The Niagara Falls of India

IN MONSOON

Chitrakut Fall

IN MONSOON

Views on Falls in State CG

 

Destinations of Sarguja of Chhattisgarh State

Sarguja (Ambikapur) : Temple carvings and archaic ruins date the history of this place to the era before Christ (BC). According to the holy books Lord Rama had visited Surguja during his fourteen years of exile and a number of places here are named after him, his brother Laxmana and wife Sita, including Ramgarh, Sita-Bhengra cave and Laxmangarh. Most of the local population is made up of the Pando and Korwa tribes, who regard themselves as descendants of the Pandavas and Kauravas (the warring clans of the epic Mahabharata) respectively.

The average altitude of the area is 600 meters. 

Mahamaya Temple

This simple temple is to the east of Ambikapur town.

Thinthini Patthar

This 200 quintal rock is cylindrical in shape. When struck, you get a metallic echo, popularly believed to be divine.

Kudargarh

This place of worship, dedicated to Goddess Kudargarhi is on a hill. People come here seeking fulfillment of their wishes.

Ramgarh and Sita Bengra

Lord Rama, central character of the epic Ramayana, and his wife Sita, are believed to have stayed in these caves during their 14 years of exile. The locals know many stories about the caves, handed down through generations. 

Tata Pani

This hot spring, 95 km from Surguja, flows continuously through the year. It is reputed to have medicinal properties. 

 Neutral Point

A place where water flows in reverse direction (i.e. from down to up) in normal speed, and near this the vehicles moves up in very slow speed even in neutral gear. It is situated in Gajadharpur 8km from Kusmi-Samri to reach Bus n Taxi facility from Dist. HQ Ambikapur availabel.

Pawai Waterfall

This natural waterfall flows through the year and is a popular picnic spot.

Kendai Waterfall

This natural waterfall is on the Bilaspur road.

Deepadih

The Shankar Temple here is surrounded by 4 gods - Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Vishnu with his all avtars (forms) and Goddess MahaDurga - who are there to guard and serve Lord Shiva. Deepadih is about 70 km from Ambikapur.

Mainpat

This hill station is known for its Tiger Point waterfall and woolen fabric made by Tibbatians.

Saila Dance

Only males participate in this group dance, performed during public functions, national festivals, and political rallies, and in January after cutting the crop. All the dancers hold two hard bamboo sticks and strike the sticks of their neighbour in unison.

Suwa Dance

This is a dance by which a young girl lets a young boy know she is interested in him. When a marriageable young boy listens this song and sees the girl dancing, he sends a marriage proposal to her parents. It is also danced to please the goddess of wealth.

Karma Dance

"Karam" is a tree worshipped by the locals. According to legend, in an ancient war, only a young couple that hid in the hollow trunk of this tree was left alive, and ever since then this tree has been regarded as sacred. The karma dance is peformed according to caste, but holds the same significance across all castes.

Male and female dancers are chained together to form a circle. A branch of the karam tree is passed among the dancers as they sing and dance in praise of the karam tree. This branch should not touch the earth. At the end of the dance, it is washed with milk and rice beer and later it is planted in the middle of the dancing arena.

Destinations in Rajnandgaon of State CG

Rajnandgaon is home to the Gond, Kanwar, Halba and Baiga tribes, who make up one fourth of the area's population. They live in dense forestsin far-flung areas and their main source of livelihood is tendu leaf collection and cultivation of minor forest products. Rajnandgaon has Asia 's only music university, in the town of Khairagarh.

Dongargarh

This pilgrimage place, 40 km from Rajnandgaon, has the temples of Badi Bambleshwari (on a 1600 ft hilltop) and Choti Bambleshwari (at ground level). Thousands of pilgrims visit it during the navarathris of Kavar (during Dassera) and Chaitra (during Ramnavmi), to worship and enjoy the dya-and-night melas (fairs) organized in the temple premises. Dongargarh also has Chhattisgarh's only passenger ropeway

Destination of Raigarh of CG

Raigarh 

is known for 2 things:

• Dhokra - the craft metalware created by hot wax casting
• Silk - which is of two types, tassar and mulberry, and is of high (export) quality 

Ram Jharna

Lord Ram is believed to have drunk from this natural spring, about 18 km from Raigarh. Ram Jharna is a popular picnic spot.

Gomarda Reserve Forest

This 278 sq km forest, about 60 km from Raigarh, in Sarangarh, is home to tigers and bears.

Chakradhar Samaroh

This music festival, is organised by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra, to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. This former ruler, a great tabla player and dancer, wrote many books on music and

Destination of Raipur of CG

Raipur

The state capital was originally established by the Kalchuri King, Ram Chandra, in the last quarter of the 14th century AD. For a long time it was the capital of the Haihaya kings.

It is the biggest city in the region, fast developing into an important industrial center for large and middle scale industries. The region is in the south east part of the Mahanadi River valley, with Bilaspur to its north, Bastar to its south, Durg on the west and Raigarh on the east. It is rich in mineral resources and has 2 major physical divisions: the Chhattisgarh plains and the hilly areas. The main crop is paddy. Raj Kumar College, one of Central India's prime schools, is in Raipur.

The region has its distinctive culture. Raut Nacha, Dewar Nacha, Panthi and Soowa, Padki and Pandwani are some of musical styles and dance dramas. There is a typical style of singing the epic Mahabharata, called Pandwani. Women wear the sari in a style called kachhora . Jewellry worn includes baandha (a necklace made of coins) and suta (a silver necklace) around the neck; phuli in the nose; bali and khunti in the ears; ainthi (made of silver), patta and choora (bangles) on the forearm; kardhani (a belt-like ornament made of silver) on the waist; bichhiya on the toes. Men wear a koundhi (necklace of beads) and kadhah (bangle) for ceremonial occasions, like dances.                                                                                                         .

Champaran

This village (formerly known as Champajhar) has religious significance, as the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and the founder of the Vallabh Sect. It has a temple constructed in his honour. Near this is a temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva.

Turturiya

This village, on the banks of the Turturiya spring (also called Sursuri Ganga), is surrounded by forests. It has many Buddhist ruins from the 8th century AD, as well as Brahmanical ruins of a later period. You can see many exquisitely sculptured pillars, remains of a brick stupa, traces of bathing ghats, lingams, figures of four armed Vishnu, and Ganesha idols.

Laxman Temple and Gandheswar Temple, Sirpur

Sirpur is an interesting site, one hour east of Raipur. Sited on the banks of the holy Mahanadi river, and known as 'Shripur' in ancient times, it was the capital of South Kosala.

The Laxman Temple here, believed to have been built in the 7 th century, is one of the finest brick temples in India, in good condition, and characterized by exquisite carvings and precise construction. Sheshnaag serves as an umbrella to Load Shiva on the top of the entrance, while incarnations of Load Vishnu, Krishna Leela ornamental symbols, and erotic carvings adorn the sides. The religious segments of a temple - Vatayan , Chitya Gawaksha , Bharwahakgana , Aja , Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak - are engraved in the pillars of this Panchrath type temple. The inside has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (the main house). The Archaeological Survey of India has established a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths.

Down the road is the Gandheshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Mahanadi river. This Shiva temple was built using the architectural remains of ancient temples and vihars . The effect is quite artistic. Various pictures of 'Shiva-Leela' adorn the top of the entrance. Inside there is a statue of Buddha touching the earth, as well as statues of Natraj, Shiva, Varah, Garud Narayan, and Mahisasur Mardini. 

Rajim

30 minutes from Raipur, on the banks of the Mahanadi river, this was once an important urban centre. It has a fine group of temples, of which the main one (Rajivalochana Temple) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Hareli Festival

Farmers celebrate this festival in the month of Shravan, by worshipping farm equipment and cows. They place branches and leaves of the Bhelwa tree in the fields and pray for a good crop, and also hang small Neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to prevent seasonal diseases. For the next 15 days, Baigas (the traditional medical practitioners) teachi their disciples - this goes on till panchami (the day following Ganesh Chaturthi). On panchami , they examine their disciples, and if satisfied with their performance, grant them the license to practice medicine. Children play gedi (walking on bamboo) and take part in a gedi race.

Pola Festival
Pola follows Hareli. It is celebrated by worshipping bullocks. Children play with idols of Nandi bull (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) made of clay and fitted with clay wheels. A bull race is a major event of the festival.

Teeja Festival

This festival is celebrated by married women - they pray for the welfare of their husbands. The custom is to perform this prayer at ther parents' home.

Destinations of Mahasamund of CG

Mahasamund has plentiful granite, limestone, dolerite and quartz resources, which means it has the potential of becoming a major mining center. 

Sirpur

Sited on the banks of the holy Mahanadi river, Sirpur, known as 'Shripur' in ancient times, was the capital of South Kosala. It is historically significant from the angles of art, science, religion and spirituality. Sirpur is known for its Buddhist Vihars .

Laxman Temple

One of the finest brick temples in India, this is characterized by exquisite carvings and precise construction. Sheshnaag serves as an umbrella to Load Shiva on the top of the entrance, while incarnations of Load Vishnu, Krishna Leela ornamental symbols, and erotic carvings adorn the sides. The religious segments of a temple - Vatayan , Chitya Gawaksha , Bharwahakgana , Aja , Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak - are engraved in the pillars of this Panchrath type temple. The inside has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (the main house). The Archaeological Survey of India has established a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths.

Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar

This 14 room Buddhist vihar , constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, is the most famous of Sirpur's Buddhist vihars . The main entrance is adorned by a dwarpaal (doorkeeper) carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar .

Swastik Vihar

This Buddhist vihar , recently excavated, is believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study.

Gandheswar Temple

Situated on the banks of the Mahanadi river, this Shiva temple was built using the architectural remains of ancient temples and vihars . The effect is quite artistic. Various pictures of 'Shiva-Leela' adorn the top of the entrance. Inside there is a statue of Buddha touching the earth, as well as statues of Natraj, Shiva, Varah, Garud Narayan, and Mahisasur Mardini.

Destination of Koriya of CG

Koriya, formerly a princely state, is endowed with mountains, valleys, plains and rivers. It is rich in mineral resources, especially coal, and has abundant wildlife too. The climate is pleasant, with mild summers and cool winters.
Amrit Dhara Waterfall
This beautiful natural waterfall on the Hasdo River is about seven km from Nagpur on the Manendragarh-Baikunthpur Road. About 80-90 feet high and 10-15 feet wide, it creates a beautiful misty ambience. There is a Shiva Temple here too.
In 1936, Ramanuj Pratap Singh Judeo, the King of Koriya State, started a mela (fair) here on Mahashivratri, and the practice is followed till today.
Getting There: The nearest railway station is Manendragarh. From here, take a bus or taxi to Nagpur, and hire a taxi to the fall.
Alternately, from Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Nagpur, and hire a taxi to the fall.
Ramdaha Waterfall
This natural waterfall on the Banas river, near Bhavarkhoh village, is about 160 km from Baikunthpur. About 100-120 feet high and 20-25 feet wide, it is surrounded by forests and rocks.
Getting There: The nearest railway station is Manendragarh. From here, take a bus or taxi to Bhavarkhoh village via Kelhari and Chutki Village (Jankpur Road), and walk 2 km to the fall.
Gavar Ghat Waterfall
This beautiful natural waterfall on the Hasdo River is about 40 km from Baikunthpur and 5 km from Tarra village. About 50-60 feet high and 10 feet wide, it is in an area full of forests and rocks.
Getting There: From Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Katgodi, 15 km along on the Sonhat road. 20 km further down is Tarra village, and from there it's another 5 km to the fall.
Akuri Nala
This is a small waterfall about 65 km from Baikunthpur, near Bansipur village, in an area surrounded by rocks and forests. Even in summer, the area is cold, giving it the sobriquet of "the natural air conditioner of Koriya".
Getting There: From Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Aklasari on the Sonhat road.

Destinations of Kanker of State CG

Located on National Highway 43, Kanker is between Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh (140 km away) and Jagdalpur (160 km away). It finds mention in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as part of the dense forest area named Dandakaranya. In the 6th century BC the region was a center for Buddhism. From 106 AD onwards to 1100 AD, it was ruled by the Satvahanas, Nags, Vakataks, Gupt, Nal and Chalukya dynasties. At one point, the kingdom extended to the area that forms the modern-day states of Orissa and Maharashtra. Kanker is full of small hilly pockets. 5 rivers run through it - Doodh, Mahanadi, Hatkul, Sindur and Turu. 

Gadiya Mountain
A natural form of a fort, this mountain has a tank that never dries. The tank is named Sonai-Rupai after the daughters of the Kandra king, Dharma Dev, who established his capital on the mountain. To the south of the tank is a cave, Churi Pagar, which provided safe refuge to the King, his family and 500 people in case of attack. Towards the southeast part of the mountain is a 50 meter long cave, Jogi Cave, where monks used to meditate. A small pond in this cave flows over the rocks like a waterfall. The Doodh river flows at the bottom of the mountain. Thousands of devotees celebrate Mahashivratri by climbing this mountain.

Malanjhkudum Waterfalls
These 3 falls, 10, 15 and 9 meters in height, 15 km from Kanker, on the Doodh river, make for a superb picnic spot. There is a road to the falls.

Charre-Marre Waterfall
A 16 meter high, zig zag waterfall on the Jogi river, 17 km from Antagarh, on the way to Aamabera.

Shivani Temple
This temple has one of just 2 statues in the world that is half Goddess Kali and half Goddess Durga. The other one is in Kolkata. The Navarathri festival is celebrated enthusiastically in this temple. 

Madai Festival
This tribal festival is celebrated by the tribes of Kanker and Bastar regions, to worship the local God(dess). It travels through the Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada regions from December to March each year.
In December, celebrations start in Bastar to honour the goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. In January, the people of Kanker, Charama and Kurna celebrate the festival. In February the festival goes back to Bastar and Cheri-Chher-Kin is honoured this time. Towards the end of February, the festival goes to Antagarh, Narayanpur and Bhanupratappur. In March it goes to Kondagaon, Keshkal and Bhopalpattanam.
It is held in a big ground, so that thousands of people can attend the ceremony, which starts with a procession of the local God(dess), followed by worhip of the same, culminating in cultural programs, dancing and lots of good food.

Handicrafts

Kanker's tribes are known for their handicrafts

• wooden items made from the finest teak and white wood, including furniture, carvings, idols, wall panels
• bell-metal items
• terracota items
• bamboo items, including wall hangings, table lamps, table mats

Destinations of Janjgir-Champa of State CG

Janjgir is the city of Maharaja Jajawalya Dev of the Kulchury dynasty, and the Vishnu Mandir here reflects its golden past. The Hasdeobango irrigation project seeks to cover three fourths of the state. 

Vishnu Mandir

The kings of the Hayhay dynasty began construction of this temple, in 2 parts, in the 12 th century, but did not complete it, and the still incomplete temple can be seen near Bhima Talab.

Pithampur Shiv Mandir

Also known as Kaleshwarnath Mandir, this is on the banks of the river Hasdeo. A 10 day fair is organized here during Mahashivratri. Every year, on Rang Panchami, Naga saints participate in the enactment of the marriage procession of Lord Shiva.

Madanpurgarh Devi Mandir

This temple is also on the banks of the Hasdeo river. The festival of Navratri is celebrated here every year.

Ghatadai (Paharia) Tripur Sundar Devi

This temple, dedicated to Tripur Sundar Devi, is surrounded by forests and mountains.

Kanhara

A beautiful picnic spot situated on the banks of the Lilagar river. 

Shivarinarayan Laxminarayan Temple

This 11 th century Vaishnava temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty on the banks of the Mahanadi river, at Shivarinarayan Nagar. It is believed that Shabri Ashram, mentioned in the epic Ramayana, was located here. During Magh Purnima a fair is organized here. 

Kharud Nagar Laxmaneshwar Temple

The locals believe this temple was built by and named after laxman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, the central character of the epic Ramayana.

Dewarghata

The confluence of the Mahanadi, Lilagar and Shivnath rivers, this is a popular picnic spot.

Turridham Shiva Temple

A 3 day mela (fair) is organized at this temple every year on Mahashivratri.

Damudhara (Rishabtirth)

This has has natural waterfalls, caves, the Ram-Janki Temple, Radha-Krishan Temple and Rishavdev Temple.

Adbhar Ashtbhuji Temple

This is an ancient temple of Goddess Devi with eight hands. The Jyoti Kalash are lit here on Navaratri.

Chandrahasini Devi Temple

Situated on the banks of the Mahanadi river, this is popular as both a pilgrimage place as well as a tourist spot. A big mela (fair) is organized here every year on the eve of Navaratri. 

 

Destination of Jashpur of State CG

Jashpur is home to the Oraon tribe, many of whom have converted to Christianity.
Kotebira Eb river
A very pleasant river with attractive scenery, a rocky spot and the end point of a range of hills. According to a local legend, God came here and liked it so much he decided to build a dam to add to the beauty. He was unable to complete the work and left it halfway, and that is why the rock looks like the wall of a dam. Every year a mela (fair) is organised here.

Rajpuri Waterfall

An attractive waterfall and popular picnic spot.

Kailash Gupha

Springs and fountains add to the beauty of this rock cut cave. Nearby is the Samarbar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, just the second Sanskrit school in India.

Danpuri Waterfall

This picturesque waterfall is in the middle of the forest.

Rani Dah Waterfall

A popular picnic spot, situated amidst hilly forests.

Kunkuri Cathedral

About 40 km from Jashpur, this is Asia's second largest Catholic church. It was 15 years in the making, and when completed (in 1968), it was Asia's largest church, with a seating capacity of 5,000. The church is embellished with seven arcades in the shape of arch and seven sacraments symbols made of angle iron. A beautiful shrine, dedicated to Mother Mary, can be seen in front of the cathedral building.

Destinations of District Durg of State CG

Durg

Bhilai Steel Plant

A major exporter of steel, this was set up with Soviet assistance in 1959, as one of the first steps of independent India's drive towards industrialisation and self reliance. Its main products are rails, structurals (beams, channels, angles, crossing sleepers), wire rods and plates.

Maitry Baugh

A zoo cum children's park, maintained by the Bhilai Steel Plant Management. White tigers are the main attraction here. Every year a flower show is organized here. The Baugh has a musical fountain. 2 shows are organized here in the evenings, on alternate days. 

Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth 

This is a Jain shrine in Nagpura established in 1995. Located on the banks of the Sheonath river, the campus houses temples, guest houses, a garden and Naturopathy and Yoga Centre. The entrance to the resplendent marble temple of Shri Parshwanath is through a 30 feet gate that has the idol of Parshwanath, supported by four pillars (representing the four essentials of spiritual atonement, i.e., wisdom, introspection, good conduct, penance), being worshipped by two elephants. Sacred water, amiya , oozes from the idol here. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this shrine on full-moon.

Ganga Maiya Temple

Located at Jhalmala, near Balod, there is an interesting story about the origin of this temple: a fisherman was fishing in the pond near the village when he found an idol in his net. He kept putting it back in the water, it kept coming back into his net. Finally, he got fed up and left it and went home. The same night, in a dream, a villager heard the Goddess saying "I am being ignored by the fisherman . take me out and get me installed." Taking this to be an order, he visited the pond the next morning, retrieved the idol and installed it in a hut near the village (and hence the name). Later a more permanent temple was built here by Bhikam Chand Tawri. The temple trust plays an active role in the life of the villagers, including organizing cultural activities and medical camps. 

Balod : Famous for big dams. 

 

Destinations of Dantewada District of State CG

Dantewada, to the south of Bastar, derives its name from its presiding deity, Devi Danteshwari, the Goddess worshipped as an incarnation of shakti (strength). It is believed to be one of the 52 sacred shakti peethas (seat of shakti , female power) of Hindu mythology. Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, is reputed to have taken shelter here during his 14 years of exile. At various times, the region has been ruled by the Nags, Satwahanas, Nalas and Chalukyas. Traces of Buddhism and Jainism dating back to the 3 rd century AD can be seen here.
Dantewada's forests are home to several species of wildlife, including 2 that are native to the area - the Pahadi Maina and the Wild Buffalo. The area is inhabited by several tribal groups, including Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Halba, Bhatra, and Gonds. They are renowned for their artistic excellence and produce outstanding terracotta, bell metal and bamboo-craft artisans.
Dantewada is extremely mineral rich. Bailadila has one of the largest deposits of Iron Ore in the world. Uranium, corundum, granite, graphite, limestone and marble are also found here.
Bodhghat Saath Dhara 6 km from Barsoor, the river Indrawati splits into 7 parts to form one small waterfall, Saath Dhara. This has lovely views of the river and is a very peaceful picnic spot. 

Bailadila
This mining area has one of the largest deposits of Iron ore in the world. Bailadila has two towns - Bacheli  and Kirandul.  The mines are in the highest peak, Aakash Nagar. You can visit this, after taking permission from NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation). The mile-long iron-ore trains are a sight not easily forgotten. The 22 km road from Bacheli to Aakash Nagar winds through some extremely scenic forests. Another 12 km road from Kirandul takes visitors to Kailash nagar, another peak.
Bailadila means "hump of the ox", and the mountain range here has peaks that look like the humps of an ox.
Located on the banks of the Indrawati river, Barsoor was once an epicentre of Hindu civilization. It is believed that there were once 147 temples and an equal number of ponds here. The ruins of these temples, dating back to the 10 th and 11 th centuries (i.e. over 1,000 years old) can be seen even today. Some beautiful images of Lord Vishnu can also be seen. 
One Shiva temple, with 12 carved stone pillars, has nude figures on the outside. One Shiva temple, with 12 carved stone pillars, has nude figures on the outside. Another Shiva temple has 32 carved stone pillars, a black granite Nandi (Shiva's carrier) bull, and two sanctum sanctorum, with a common court. The ruins of this temple have been recently restored. A 50 foot high temple, known locally as Mama-bhanja-ka-mandir (temple of the maternal uncle and nephew), is in good condition, but lacks an idol. It is not clear to which deity the temple was consecrated, or even if it was ever consecrated. The biggest attraction though, is the Ganesha Temple. While the temple itself is in ruins, two sandstone images of Ganesh, both in the aspect of Maha-Ganapati, are amazingly intact. The larger of these, and the more impressive, is about 8 feet high and over 17 feet wide.
Memory Pillars of Gama Wada
14 km from Dantewada, on the way to Bacheli, the small village of Gama Wada has giant stone pillars, erected centuries ago by the local tribes in memory of their deceased relatives.
Danteshwari Temple
This ancient temple is at the confluence of the Dankini and Shankini rivers, about one and a half hours from Jagdalpur. It was built by the Chalukya kings of Bastar in honour of their family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari, who is venerated by both Hindus and tribals in the entire Bastar region (Danteshwari is believed to be the new name of Manikeshwari, the family Goddess of the Naga Dynasty who preceeded the Chalukyas). The temple is divided into four parts - Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap. The first two are constructed using stone. The temple itself has been constructed at various times, but the sanctum sanctorum is believed to be more than 800 years old. A Garud Pillar has been erected in front of the temple entrance. The Danteshwari Temple really comes to life during the Bustar Dassera festival season 

Destinations in Bilaspur of CG State

Bilaspur                 - is known for its kosa silk and the quality of its rice. It is the second largest city in Chhattisgarh, and home to its High Court . The city is approximately 400 years old. The name is derived from bilasa , the name for fisher women.

Ratanpur:

There are the ruins of an old fort here. This has an attractive stone sculpture over the frame of the Ganesh gate. The entrance has Shiva's Tandav Dance and statues of Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu. Inside, there are the Sitchourai and Jagarnath temples.

An 11 th century temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya, was built during the reign of Calturi the king of Raja Ratnadev. There are ponds near the temple. In front of the is a temple of Kantideval of Maratha Period. This has been renovated by the architecture department.

Before the palace of Ratanpur is a temple of Baba Bairavnath, with a nine foot tall idol. At the palace of Ramtekri there is a temple of Ram Panchayat. At the foot of a hill is the Bhuddeshwar Shiv Temple made made by Bhimbhaji Bhosle. At the top of the hill is the Laxmi Temple, also called Ekbira Temple. There is also the Ratneswar Mahadev Temple.

The Dargah of Musekhan is in the town of Juna, nearby.

Mallhar (Saravpur): 

A former capital, this is about 14 km from Bilaspur. It has remains from 1,000 BC onwards. 10th and 11th century temples can be seen here. The Pataleswar Kedar Temple is one of them - the Gomukhi shivling is the main attraction here. The Didneswari Temple, belonging to the Kalchuri regime, is also worth visiting. The Deor Temple has artistic idols. There is a museum, managed by the Central Government, which had a good collection of old sculpture. Talagram Talagram, about 25 km from Bilaspur, is known for its "Deorani-Jethani" temple. This has a huge 7 foot high statue, that's 4 feet wide and weighs 8 tons.

Kutaghat Dam:

About 10 km from Ratanpur, this is surrounded by forest and hills, and is a popular picnic spot. There is a rest house near the dam.

Belpan:

Is known for its kund (big pond) and samadhi .

Khadia Dam:

About 85 km from Bilaspur, its is known for its beauty.

Kabir Chobutara:

This is known as the place of great saints. It is near Gourella, about 41 km from Bilaspur.

Destinations in Bastar of CG State

In our state of Chhattisgarh we have a vast forests, hills, rivers, temples, traditional festivals, it is damn sure that visitor can never forget our place after visiting once. Now lets throw some light on our assets district-wise, as follows 

Bastar District 

it is believed to have been established in the 11th century by the Nagavanshi dynasty who had their capital at Barsu. There are plenty of theories about the origin of the name "Bastar". The most rational is that it is derived from the Sanskrit word vistrat, wide territory, which is how the Deccan chieftains perceived the area North of the Godavari river to be. Another explanation is that the name evolved from "Basta-karna", sal trees, which Bastar is full of. The 3 rd conjecture is that Bastar is from "Bastah", goat, the area being a popular territory, even today, for shepherds migrating from North India. A 4 th hypothesis says Bastar is from "Basta", bag, associated with the gypsies who were the earliest traders to come to the region to barter salt for local forest products and iron ore. And the 5 th thinks Bastar owes its origins to "Bastakam", a variety of salt, the commodity most imported into Bastar in the early days of its contact with the outside world.

Historically, Bastar formed the buffer zone between Deccan in South India and the Rajput splinter-states of Central India. It did not impact and was not impacted by happenings outside. As such, it developed its own way of life and governance. The population, mostly tribal, was native to India long before the Aryans arrived (10,000 years ago!), and they still follow their traditional lifestyle.

The Indravati river is the largest and the most important river in Bastar. Pamer Chinta is its main tributary. Almost half of Bastar is under forest cover, and the region is full of dense jungles full of bamboo, sal, teak wood, sheesam and bija. High mountains, valleys, streams, waterfalls, natural caves, and natural parks abound.

Jagdalpur

Jagdalpur, the district headquarters, is a small town, easily explorable on foot. It is green and beautiful. Believe it or not, you can walk right off the street and into the 70 year old Bastar palace, situated at one end of the main street. The erstwhile Royal Family still resides in one part, while another is being used as a medical college. Currently, there are no residential facilities here, but lunch can be arranged. There is a weekly haat (market) here on Sundays. Many wonderful waterfalls are nearby. The Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar lakes are on the river Indravati, which passes through Jagdalpur. Sprawling over 350 hectares, Dalpat Sagar is the largest artificial lake in Chhattisgarh. It was created over 400 years ago by Raja Dalpat Deo Kakatiya to harvest rain water. Today, it is a major source of fish. If you can wake up early enough, join in the ritual worship of the deity before watching the group fishing, where one group spreads the nets and the other group drives the fish into the nets by howling and beating water. Or, if you prefer, go boating (motor / pedal boats) on the lake, especially at sunset. Shop for tribal handicrafts during Dassera and Diwali at the nightly Gole Bazar and at the Kumhara Para area. As you drive on National Highway (NH) 16 to the west of Jagdalpur, you can see the Maria Menhirs, monumental stones erected for the dead. The size of the stone indicates the standing of the deceased, and drawings on them suggest objects and acts dear to the dead person. It is customary to drop a pinch of chewing tobacco at the foot of the menhir, as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Chhattisgarh - A natural exotic land

Formed in	November 1, 2000, as India's 26 th state, carved out of Madhya Pradesh.
Location	Central India.
Bordered by	Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh (north) Andhra Pradesh (south) Orissa (east) Madhya Pradesh (west)
Area	135,133 sq km (45% densely forested)
Population	20,795,956
Literacy	65%
Sex Ratio	990 females per 1000 males (the second-best sex ratio of any state in india, after Kerala)
Capital	Raipur.
High Court	Bilaspur.
Districts	16, many of them being erstwhile princely states.
National Parks	03
Wildlife Sanctuaries	11
Major Cities	Raipur, Durg-Bhilai (twin cities), Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Korba, Raigarh, Jagdalpur.
Minerals	Iron Ore, Coal, Bauxite, Timber, Tin (found only in Chhatisgarh), Gold, Limestone, Dolomite, Diamond, Manganese, Korandum, Quartz.
Industries	Steel, Aluminum, Cement, Thermal power.
Important Rivers	Mahanadi, Indravati, Shivnath, Hansdeo, Arpa, Pairi, Kharoon, Maniyari Jonk, Shabri, Dankini-Shankini, Mand, Tandula, Ib, Kotri.
Water bodies/dams	Gangarel (Ravishankar Sagar), Mooramsilli, Dhudhawa, Sikasar, Sondhur, Pairi, Hansdeo-Bango, Kodar, Jonk, Arpa, Maniyari, Khutaghat, Tandula, Kharkhara, Saroda, Banki, Jhumka.
Waterfalls	Chitrakote, Tirathgarh, Kanger, Gupteshwar, Malajkundam, Saat Dhara, Ranidah, Rajpuri, Kendai, Tata Pani, Damera Tamda Ghumar, Mendri Ghumar.
Wildlife	Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Langoor, Rhesus Monkey, Barahsinga, Sambhar, Bison, Wild Buffalo, Civet Cat, Bear.
Crops	Rice, Sugarcane, Banana, Pulses, Wheat .
Forest Produce	Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Sheeshal, Mahua, Tamarind, Haldu, Saja, Sheesham, Various Herbs.
Languages	Hindi, Local dialects.
Religions	Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Tribal.
Fairs	Bastar Dussera, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Ramaram, Ma Bambleshwari, Ratanpur, Shivrinarayan, Sihawa, Bhoramdeo, Girodhpuri, Damakheda.

VERY HAPPY DIWALI 2 all - Feel the Magnet

May This Diwali be as bright as ever.

May this Diwali bring joy, health and wealth to you.

May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives.

May this Diwali bring in u the most brightest and choicest happiness and love you have ever Wished for.

May this Diwali bring you the utmost in peace and prosperity.

May lights triumph over darkness.

May peace transcend the earth.

May the spirit of light illuminate the world.

May the light that we celebrate at Diwali show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace and social harmony

"WISH U A VERY HAPPY DIWALI"

The Neutral Point

The Neutral Point

भारत के छत्तीसगढ़ में अंबिकापुर से ९८ किलोमीटर दूर कुसमी - सामरी मार्ग में गजाधरपुर गाँव में है . यहाँ एक छोटे कुंड से पानी निचे से ऊपर कि दिशा में बहता है. यहाँ केवल बस मार्ग से पहुंचा जाता है. यहाँ गाड़ी बिना इंजन चालू  किये ही निचे से ऊपर कि ओर  बहुत धीमी गति से घाट चढ़ जाती है. इसी वजह से यहाँ का नाम Neutral Point  रखा गया है . इस गाँव में हर घर तक छोटी नालियां बनाई गयी हैं  जिनके द्वारा बारहों महीने पानी हर घर तक जाता है  बहता है.