Parghaniya Baba Mandir & Nand Mahal, Malhar: Ancient Jain Heritage & Archaeological Marvels

Parghaniya Baba Mandir Budhikhar and Nand-Mahal Malhar

Introduction

Chhattisgarh is a treasure trove of archaeological marvels. Malhar stands out as a significant historical site. This location has yielded fascinating Jain Tirthankar idols of the 6th- 12th century, shedding light on the region’s rich cultural and religious past. This blog delves into the historical importance, excavation findings, and architectural brilliance of these ancient relics.

Nand-Mahal Malhar and Budhikhar provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient India's religious diversity. The coexistence of Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist monuments reflects a period of religious tolerance and artistic exchange. These sites are essential for understanding the spread of Jainism and Shaivism in central India.

Parghaniya Baba Mandir, Budhikhar

On-road Information Board

Budhikhar is just 1 km before Malhar, and the distance from Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) to Budhikhar is around 28 km.

Entrance gate of Parghaniya Baba Mandir Budhikhar

In the Garbhagriha, there is an idol of the Rishabh Nath; however, local people worship it as Parghaniya Baba and  Bhairav Baba.

The Jain Tirthankar idols unearthed here date back to the 6th to 12th century A.D., belonging to the Kalachuri period.

Scattered remains of Jain and Buddhist sculptures in the surrounding areas indicate that Malhar was a multi-religious center.

These idols reflect the intricate artistry of Jain sculptors, depicting the Tirthankars in various mudras (postures), seated or standing in deep meditation.

The findings indicate that Malhar was not only a Hindu religious hub but also a Jain pilgrimage site.

The  Idols found here from excavation suggest that Malhar was a flourishing religious center during the Kalachuri dynasty, known for temple construction and patronage of multiple faiths.

The temple ruins display Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Jain influences, highlighting religious harmony in ancient Chhattisgarh.

Nand-Mahal Malhar 

The Nand Mahal, situated in Kevat Mohalla of Malhar, holds immense historical importance. Inside the sanctum, there are various Jain Tirthankar idols built from black granite, along with old relics of Shiva-Lings.

These idols showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Jain sculptors, portraying the Tirthankars in different mudras (postures), either seated or standing in profound meditation.

Nand-Mahal Malhar 

Bhagwan Mahaveer 

In Jainism, the central idol amongst all the Tirthankaras is Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the current cosmic age, making him the most revered figure in Jain worship; hence, he is typically depicted as the main idol surrounded by the other Tirthankaras in a Jain temple. 

 

The  Nishad community has built this Nand Mahal temple, and everyone has great faith in this temple, and they worship it not like Tirthankaras but like Gods and Goddesses. 
It is believed that the idols found through excavation would have been placed here.

Fragmentory Idols outside the temple

Conclusion

Malhar stands as a remarkable testament to India's ancient religious and cultural heritage. The excavations revealing Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist idols highlight the region's rich spiritual history, where multiple faiths coexisted harmoniously. The discovery of Jain Tirthankar idols in Malhar and Parghaniya Baba Mandir, Budhikhar, emphasizes that this land has been a center of religious confluence for centuries.

The historical findings from these sites serve as crucial evidence that Malhar was not only a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center but also a significant location for Jainism and Buddhism. The presence of diverse religious artifacts nearby illustrates the ethos of religious tolerance and mutual respect that prevailed in ancient times. This unity in diversity makes Malhar an essential site for archaeologists, historians, and spiritual seekers alike.

If you are planning to explore places to visit near Bilaspur, make sure to add Malhar and Budhikhar to your itinerary. Their historical richness, architectural brilliance, and spiritual significance make them must-visit destinations for those interested in India's glorious past.

Also, Watch My YouTube video covering Parghaniya Baba Mandir and Nand Mahal Malhar below