Category:Mahamaya temple and Dhamdha fort, Chhattisgarh

Mahamaya temple and Dhamdha fort, Chhattisgarh 

Historic goddess temple and fort, Dhamdha
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Instance of	Hindu temple
Location	Durg district, Durg division, Chhattisgarh, India
21° 27′ 28.34″ N, 81° 19′ 40.26″ E
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The Mahamaya temple and Dhamdha fort are co-located in the southwestern part of Dhamdha village in Chhattisgarh. They are restored Kalachuri ruins from the 12th to 14th century, though some parts are pre-10th century.

The Mahamaya temple is a Hindu goddess tradition complex dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati aspects of the Shakti (feminine power principle of Hinduism). This is the largest historic temple of Dhamdha, and a living temple.

The temple is integrated inside the fort and the entrance includes an elaborate torana gateway with numerous panels of predominantly Hindu artwork. Several panels include Jaina and Buddhist artwork, but given they lack the Jain and Buddhist lakshana, they were likely built by Hindu and included with reverence in the fort and goddess temple. Notable artwork here includes the celebration of the Hindu goddess as creative principle in arts, music, dance, war, etc. Similarly the deep-bas relief statues at wall corners are impressive.

The temple has been rebuilt with modern floor and additions. The oldest preserved portions have a square plan, the mandapa pillars have pre-10th century architecture and artwork. The restored sections of the fort are plain. Many foundations of lost structures are visible within the complex.