History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
The Hatkeshwar Temple is situated on the banks of the River Kharun in Chhattisgarh. The temple is almost at a 5 km distance from Raipur. The Hatkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an extremely valued Hindu temple. Hajiraj Naik built this temple in 1402. Brahmadeo Rai was the ruler of this region at that time. The temple is an architectural gem. Every year many followers come to visit the temple. Another name of the shrine is “Mahadev Ghat” because of its position. It is one of the most devoted shrines of Chhattisgarh.
History of Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur
Brahmadeo Rai of the Kalachuri Dynasty was the ruler of this region in the 13th century. He was the son of King Ramachandra. At the time of his reign, Hajiraj Naik built this Shiva temple at the bank of Kharun. The residents believe that the Shiva Linga inside the shrine has come out automatically from the earth. The Shiva Linga is believed to be very powerful. Mahadev Hatkeshwar is the ancestral deity of the Nagar Brahmins. They used to live in Vadnagar in ancient times.
Architecture of Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur
The architecture of the temple is very appealing. The outer part of the temple has exclusive designs. There are stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata depicted on the outmost walls of the temples. Apart from this, there are also various images. There are carvings of different animals, dancers, and musicians on the temple wall. The temple complex is huge. There is a Shiva Linga placed at the inner sanctum. A large Shikhar flies high in the sky from the top of the sanctum. The temple is encircled by a giant wall with three circular domes on top. The domes are scattered with flat stretches.
Festival celebrated here at Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur
The main festival celebrated here is the Maha Shivratri in the month of Shravan. Devotees from various parts of Chhattisgarh visit the temple during this time. They offer milk, honey, bael leaves, flowers, and fruits to the deity. People believe the deity responds to those who worship him with a clean mind. The deity is believed to be very dominant. Visitors trust that he fulfills their wishes. The temple authority takes care of the devotees who visit the god during the festival. The large Shiva Linga in the interior is the main idol here. The automatically evolved Shiva Linga is worshipped with great devotion. Devotees take a bath in the river to purify themselves before offering anything to the deity.
Daily darshan time of Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur
The temple opens at 6.00 am and closes at 10.00 pm every day. Devotees are welcome to visit at their suitable times in between. The morning Aarti commences at 6.30 am.
Best time to visit - Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur
The best time to explore the temple is during Shiv Ratri. The festival is celebrated here with great devotion. Winter is another preferable time for a trip to this temple.
The temple is a wee-known pilgrimage of Chhattisgarh. Residing on the river bank, the temple is an excellent tourist attraction. Chhattisgarh is full of Hindu pilgrimages. The Hatkeshwar temple is on the list of them.
How to Reach Hatkeshwar Temple, Raipur, The Capital of Chhattisgarh, India
Raipur being capital city along with important district Chhattisgarh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Lots of peoples visits here throughout the year which makes Raipur more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. • Chhattisgarh is connected to 3 important national highways. The NH-6, NH-16, and Nh-43 connect all the big cities of Chhattisgarh. Buses are available from all the major cities of the state, to reach the temple.Raipur has major airport which is located just at a distance of around 15 km from the city from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Raipur has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. Raipur is located at 40 km from Durg, 115 km from Bilaspur, 284 km from Nagpur, 350 km from Jabalpur, 215 km from Korba, 246 from Raigarh, 109 km from Dongargarh, 83 km from Sirpur.
