History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Chaumukhnath temple or Nachna Temples, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, India
Chaumukhnath Temple or Chaturmukh Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, named after the huge Shivlinga, carved with four face on four cardinal side is unique temple located in small village Nachna Kuthara, near Devendra Nagar and Saleha in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Nachna Hindu temples also popular as Nachana temples are some of the oldest surviving stone temple of India. Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati is also located here near the Chaumukhnaht Temple. Thus jointly campus is popular as Nachna Temple. Chaumukhnath temple represent the five aspects or Panchmukha aspect of Lord Shiva, North faces represent Water (Vamadeva), East face represent Air (Tatpurusha),South faces represent Fire (Aghora), Top faces represent space (Isana) and west faces represent Earth (Saytajota). Basically these are symbolized as creation, maintenance, protection and destruction.
Huge Shivlinga of Lord Shiva with around 4.67 feet high with four faces with decorative hair style is placed here in Garbhgriha. As faces are carved over Shivlinga, its known as Mukharkinga as well. Three faces looks calm with closed eye, but the fourth face of Shiva with wide open mouth and eyes, looks like Vishpan mundra of Lord Shiva or showcase the dreadful aspect in his form as Bhairava.
It is believed that Parvati Ma temple is dated back to 5th or 6th century, built during Gupta Empire and Chaumukhnaht temple is dated back to 9th century. Most of the other temples are ruined in nearby area but these two are well maintained even after more than 1500 years. Due the popularity, this pilgrimage site is known as Chaumukhnath, which is located near Panna National Forest.
Every Monday and during Sravan month, thousands of devotee and tourist visits here with full of devotion.
How to Reach Chaumukhnath Temple, Nachna, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, India
As Nachna Kuthara is ancient important site and preserved by central government which is located at just 23 km from Saleha, 35 km from Panna, 55 km from Satna and 70 km from Khajuraho. Thus it is very well connected with all major cities of Madhya Pradesh via Road, Rail network. You can get taxi and bus from all nearby town to reach here easily. Khajuraho and Satna are the nearest major railway station.
