Dandesvara and Mahamaya Mandir, Karnagarh, West Medinipur

 

This is a group of two temple which is dedicated to Mahadev and Mahamaya which is associated with the ancient fort of Karnagarh. Which stand unhurt and excellent in thin structure. 

The Anadilinga Dandeshwar temple is 60 ft tall and is nearly 20.6 ft long. It is an example of the Orissa school of architecture. There is a stone natmandap of about 4 ft in height and a deul or biman. A Shivalinga inside the temple is worshiped by Kharagaeswar Mahadeva.

The Mahamaya temple stands on the left of the Dandeshwar temple. It is also built in the Orissa style and dedicated to the mother goddess mahamaya. The temple is 33 ft tall and the jagmohan itself is about 20 ft high.

Karnagarh is famous for Chuar Revolt led by Rani Siromoni in April 1798.

David J. McCutchion mentions the Dandesvara temple as having a pirha larger than the main temple, measuring 13’ 6” square + 25’ square, built of laterite having stucco decoration.

The 60’ high Anadilinga Dandesvara and the Devi Bhagabati Mahamaya temples are the main attractions at Karnagarh. Both these temples were built by Karna Keshari of the Keshari/ Somavamsi dynasty of Odisha in the 10th century. A big fair is held on the Poush Sankranti day (mid-January).

“Both temples have been painted pink and the magic of black stone is lost. However, the surrounding walls are still in black and the ambience magical.”

Both the Dandesvara and Mahamaya temples are state protected monuments.