Danteshwari Temple, situated in the small town of Dantewada in the southern Indian state of Chhattisgarh, is a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, this ancient temple is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance. In this article, we will take a journey through the history, mythology, and significance of Danteshwari Temple, and explore why it is considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India.  

History and Mythology  

The history of Danteshwari Temple dates back to the 14th century, when it was built by the Chalukya dynasty rulers. The temple is named after Goddess Danteshwari, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to mythology, when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, her tooth fell at the site where the temple is located today. The tooth is believed to be a powerful symbol of Goddess Danteshwari's presence in the temple, and pilgrims from all over India visit the temple to seek her blessings.  

Architecture  

Danteshwari Temple is an excellent example of the traditional Indian temple architecture, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in the country. The temple is built in the Nagara style, and is made of black stone and granite. It has a shikara (spire) that rises up to a height of 84 feet, and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple has a large courtyard, and the main entrance is flanked by two massive pillars. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Goddess Danteshwari, which is made of black stone and is adorned with gold and silver jewelry.  

Significance  

Danteshwari Temple is a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and is considered to be one of the 52 shakti peethas (sacred places where body parts of Goddess Sati fell). The temple is believed to be a powerful center of positive energy, and pilgrims come from all over India to seek the blessings of Goddess Danteshwari. The temple is especially popular during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated twice a year in March-April and September-October. During Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated, and a large number of devotees throng the temple to offer prayers to the goddess.  

How to Reach  

Dantewada is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Raipur, which is about 350 km from Dantewada. The nearest railway station is in Jagdalpur, which is about 80 km from Dantewada. From Jagdalpur, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dantewada. There are also regular buses that run from Raipur and other nearby cities to Dantewada.  

Accommodation  

Dantewada is a small town, and there are limited accommodation options available here. However, there are a few guesthouses and lodges in the town that offer basic facilities. For those who are looking for more comfortable accommodation, Jagdalpur is a better option, as it has a wider range of hotels and resorts.  

Best Time to Visit  

The best time to visit Danteshwari Temple is during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated twice a year in March-April and September-October. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated and there is a festive atmosphere all around. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit the temple at any other time of the year. The weather in Dantewada is pleasant throughout the year, but the monsoon season (June to September) should be avoided as the roads can become difficult to navigate.  

Things to Do and See  

Apart from visiting the Danteshwari Temple, there are several other things to do and see in Dantewada. The town is surrounded by dense forests and hills, and there are several trekking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Indravati National Park, which is located about 80 km from Dantewada, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and several species of birds.  

Food and Drink  

Dantewada is a small town, and there are limited options for food and drink here. The local cuisine is simple and wholesome, and is dominated by rice, lentils, and vegetables. Some of the popular dishes in Dantewada include dal bafla, poha, and chila. For those who are looking for more variety, Jagdalpur is a better option, as it has a wider range of restaurants and cafes.  

Hidden facts about Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada:-

The Danteshwari Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, India. Here are some hidden facts about the temple:

The temple is named after the goddess Danteshwari, who is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga.

The temple is considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, which are believed to be the places where the body parts of the Hindu goddess Sati fell when she was dismembered by Lord Shiva.

The temple has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century, when it was built by the Chalukya kings.

The temple is located on the banks of the river Shankini, and it is believed that the goddess Danteshwari appeared here to save the local people from the atrocities of a demon named Dantu.

The temple is famous for its unique architecture, which is a blend of the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture.

The temple has a massive chariot made of wood and metal, which is used to carry the idol of the goddess Danteshwari during the annual Dussehra festival.

The temple also has a small museum that houses ancient artifacts, including stone inscriptions and sculptures dating back to the 7th century.

The temple has survived numerous invasions and attacks over the centuries, including attacks by the Mughals and the British.

The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Chhattisgarh, and it attracts thousands of devotees every year.

The temple is also famous for its vibrant celebrations during festivals, including Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, which are attended by people from all over the country.

How to reach Danteshwari Temple by road and nearest bus stand?  

Danteshwari Temple is located in Dantewada, which is well-connected to the rest of India by road. The nearest bus stand is the Dantewada Bus Stand, which is located in the heart of the town.  

If you are coming from Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, you can take a state-run bus or hire a taxi to reach Dantewada. The distance between Raipur and Dantewada is approximately 350 km, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours.  

If you are coming from Hyderabad, you can take a bus to Jagdalpur, which is located about 90 km from Dantewada. From Jagdalpur, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Dantewada. The distance between Hyderabad and Jagdalpur is approximately 590 km, and the journey takes around 12-13 hours.  

There are also several private bus operators that run regular buses between Dantewada and nearby cities such as Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Visakhapatnam. If you are coming from a distant city, you can also consider taking a train to the nearby railway stations such as Jagdalpur, Kirandul, and Bacheli, and then hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Dantewada.  

How to reach Danteshwari Temple by train and nearest railway station? 

The nearest railway station to Danteshwari Temple is the Jagdalpur Railway Station, which is located about 90 km away. The station is well-connected to major cities in India such as Raipur, Hyderabad, and Vishakhapatnam.  

If you are coming from Raipur, you can take a train to Jagdalpur, which is located on the Kirandul-Visakhapatnam line. The journey takes around 10-11 hours, and there are several trains that run between Raipur and Jagdalpur.  

If you are coming from Hyderabad, you can take a train to Vishakhapatnam, which is located on the Howrah-Chennai main line, and then take a connecting train to Jagdalpur. The journey takes around 22-23 hours.  

How to reach Danteshwari Temple by air and nearest airport? 

The nearest airport to Danteshwari Temple is the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, which is located approximately 350 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.  

From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a state-run bus to reach Dantewada, which is located about 90 km from Jagdalpur, the nearest city to the temple. The journey takes around 8-9 hours by road.  

There is no airport in Jagdalpur, but there are plans to build one in the future. However, there is a small airstrip in Jagdalpur that is used for occasional helicopter services. If you are coming from a nearby city, you can consider taking a helicopter service to Jagdalpur and then hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Dantewada.  

Closure  

Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada is a timeless pilgrimage destination in India, and is a must-visit for those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment. The temple's rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance make it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. Apart from visiting the temple, there are several other things to do and see in Dantewada, including trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the local cuisine. So if you are planning a trip to India, make sure to include Danteshwari Temple in your itinerary.  

FAQs  

Is Danteshwari Temple open to non-Hindus? 

Yes, the temple is open to people of all religions and faiths.  

Can we take photographs inside the temple? 

No, photography is not allowed inside the temple.  

Is there an entry fee to visit the temple? 

No, there is no entry fee to visit the temple.  

Are there any restrictions on clothing inside the temple? 

Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly and cover their heads inside the temple.  

Can we visit Dantewada during the monsoon season? 

It is not advisable to visit Dantewada during the monsoon season as the roads can become difficult to navigate.