Shree Devi Temple Rushi av Leni Bhatala, Varora, Chandrapur

Located in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra in Chandrapur district, the village of Bhatala holds great historical and religious significance. The sculptures found here reveal that this village has been in existence since around 45 CE. The village is renowned as a ‘Shilpagram’ (sculpture village). It is said that in ancient times, the stone sculptures carved in this village were exported even abroad. The ancient Bhavani Temple located here is famous, and its outer walls are adorned with numerous carved sculptures. The unique Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and Shikhara (spire) of this temple are its main attractions. 

Situated about 1 km from Bhatala village, the temple of Goddess Bhavani Mata stands beside a lake and is enclosed by a fortification wall on all sides. Located on a slight elevation, the temple’s ramparts have 2 entrance gates. Upon entering the temple courtyard through them, one beholds a small yet unique shrine of Goddess Bhavani Mata built in reddish-yellow sandstone. The temple complex is fully paved, and the surrounding lush natural beauty enhances the charming presence of the temple.

The entrance of the temple features exquisite carvings, with 4 Devakoshtas (divine niches) on the upper part of the doorframe. Each of these niches houses idols of various deities. The doorframe is intricately crafted on both sides, with male and female attendants sculpted at the base as Dwarapalas (gatekeepers). The temple architecture consists of a Sabhamandap and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap contains 10 stone pillars. Although these pillars do not feature elaborate carvings, they are uniquely designed—square at the base, octagonal in the middle, and circular at the top. The layout of the Sabhamandap is remarkable; between every two pillars at the base, there is a low platform about 2 to 2.5 feet in height, connecting all the pillars in the hall (known as Kakshasana). This design resembles a royal court or assembly hall. Such a hall is known as a ‘Shuddhamandap’. A Sabhamandap with this unique structure is rarely found elsewhere.

At the entrance of the Sabhamandap, large idols are placed on both sides—one of Goddess Mahishasuramardini and the other of Lord Ganesha. Beside the Ganesha idol stands the ancient idol of Goddess Bhavani. It is said that this very idol originally resided in the Garbhagriha; however, after it was damaged, a new idol was installed in the sanctum sanctorum, and the original idol was placed near the Ganesha idol in the Sabhamandap. The doorframe of the Garbhagriha features subtle artwork, with an image of Lord Ganesha on the Lalatabimba (central lintel) flanked by two carved wheels (Chakras). The idol currently enshrined in the sanctum was crafted a few years ago by a local artisan from Bhatala village.

Most of the sculptures on the outer walls of this temple are well-preserved. They include various forms of Lord Shiva, Goddesses, Varaha, Lord Vishnu, Gajashardula, and various types of Vyala (mythological sculptures featuring the heads of animals like elephants, horses, or rams above the body of a mythical beast or bird, identified by their faces as Gajavyala, Ashvavyala, Sharabhavyala, etc.), archers, spear-bearing warriors, boxers, Apsaras in various postures, and Surasundaris playing flutes and mridangams. Carvings of the Ashta Dikpalas (the 8 guardian deities of the 8 directions)—Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Ishana—are also sculpted here. Additionally, several Mithuna (erotic) sculptures adorn the outer walls.

The design of the temple’s Shikhara (spire) reflects the style of South Indian temples. Within the Shikhara, there is a chamber, which was likely used for spiritual practice (Sadhana) and penance (Tapasya). The doorframe of this chamber in the spire is decorated with carvings, with sculptures of female attendants carved at the bottom. Although the temple was originally constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries, historical records state that it was renovated during the period of the Bhonsles of Nagpur. Presently, this temple is protected under the Archaeology Department. A fair (Yatra) is held here during the 9 days of Navratri and on every Tuesday of the month of Chaitra, attracting thousands of devotees for divine Darshan. 

Located about 1.5 to 2 km from this Bhavani Temple is the site known as Rishi Talav (Rishi Take). Along the banks of this lake are several rock-cut caves containing carved Shivlingas, idols of Surya Dev, Mahishasuramardini, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, a coiled serpent, and representations of Lord Shiva. Some of these caves are devoid of idols, while others are filled with silt. Based on their characteristics, scholars suggest that these caves date back to the 4th to 7th century CE. It is said that the images of Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya belong to the Vakataka period, while some of the other idols belong to the Rashtrakuta period.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery