Rajim - Rajivlochana Mandir

Among the spiritual treasures that the state of Madhya Pradesh is justly proud of, Rajivlochana temple occupies a covetable place. It is a marvellous contribution of the Sarabhapura sovereigns ruled as feudatories of the imperial Guptas and Vakatakas. Inscriptions bear ample testimony to this, and architectural style fortifies it beyond doubt. This ancient temple was built in the Panchayatana type with the main shrine for Rajivlocahna in the centre, surrounded by four subsidiary temples enshrining the sacred icons of Narasimha, Vamana, Varaha and Badarinath.

It is built on the bank of Mahanadi and faces west. It possesses a grand garbhagriha, vestibule and vast maha mandap. It has two entrances on the north and south leading to maha mandap by flights of steps. The maha mandap is open and supported by 24 pillars in four rows of six each. And they are adorned with the masterly sculptured life size figures of nymphs and celestials. The craftsmanship of the sculptors is superb and offers a grand feast to the viewers - theists or art-critics. The ceilings and lintels are excellently carved with the fife figures of Garudaruda Mahavishnu and other Vaishnavate gods such as Trivikrama, Seshanaga, Yoganarayana etc. Many Pouranic episodes are masterly carved and they lift the souls invariably if one stands and scans with devotion. The presiding deity - Sri Mahavishnu called here as Rajivlochana which only means beautiful eyed. It is a superb specimen of sculptural art and wring veneration at first sight itself. The temple architecture is a standing model of sixth century, patronised by Guptas. It attained unenviable glory during its heyday.

It is 32 km off Raipur in the state of Madhya Pradesh, accessible by bus from it.

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