Barfani Dham : Tucked away in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh’s town of Rajnandgaon, Barfani Dham is an amazing complex of temples devoted mainly to Shiva. The temple, also called “Patal Bhairvi,” is situated on the route leading to Nagpur approximately 40 kilometers from Durg.
It provides devotees with a calm setting, distinctive architecture, and a multi-layered spiritual experience.
Temple Structure & Architecture of Barfani Dham
- Barfani Dham’s three separate floors, each devoted to a different manifestation of God, are among its most remarkable aspects.
The shrine of Patal Bhairavi is located on the lowest level.
Sources claim that this shrine is situated below ground, implying a metaphorical descend into the earth-realm (“Patal”). - The goddess shrine in the shape of Tripura Sundari, which is also considered to be a part of the Navadurga or Ten Great Goddeses, is located on the middle level.
- Lord Shiva is honored on the highest level. In front of it is a gigantic statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull mount, and a massive Shiva Lingam.
Chandi Mandir Chandigarh.
Additional architectural information:
- Lord Hanuman, Bhairav Baba, and Ganesh idols are said to surround the massive idol at the Patal Bhairavi shrine, which stands 15 feet tall and weighs about 11 tonnes.
- Alongside the Shiva Lingam, the top level is said to include copies of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas.
- The three levels of the temple are symbolic: the domain of Lord Shiva (top), the realm of Goddess energy (middle), and the kingdom of the under-earth/divine feminine (bottom).
Near By Attraction
- Dongargarh Hill: The temple is located in the Rajnandgaon district’s town of Dongargarh, and the hill where it is situated offers serene surroundings and beautiful views.
- Local Nature & Scenic Spots: Before or after the temple visit, the area surrounding Rajnandgaon offers serene nature walks, forested areas, and rural landscapes. Rajnandgaon’s Cultural Market and Local Cuisine
- Discovering the local town’s handicrafts, native food, and interactions with the pilgrims can all shed light on Chhattisgarh’s culture.
- Other Temples in the Area: For a more comprehensive pilgrimage or cultural experience, you could spend some time visiting other temples in the area (Chhattisgarh has numerous lesser-known shrines).
How to Get There and Travel Advice
- The temple is located roughly 40 kilometers from Durg in the direction of Nagpur.
- Rajnandgaon is the closest major train station. A travel article states: “By Air: Raipur airport is located at a distance of about 70 km.” The nearest train station is Rajnandgaon.
- To avoid crowds and give yourself enough time to see all three levels of the shrine, it is best to arrive early in the morning. If necessary, be ready for a short climb and dress modestly.
- In the inner sanctum, wear appropriate footwear and show reverence because the lower shrine is slightly below ground level.
- Check for any restrictions and refrain from taking loud pictures inside the sanctum.
