Murlidhar Temple

Chandrapur City, Taluka & District Chandrapur

Chandrapur is rich in ancient architectural heritage and monuments, featuring iconic structures such as the famous Mahakali Temple, Anchaleshwar Temple, and the Samadhi site of the Gond King Birshah, each unique in its architectural style. Crowning them all is the Shri Murlidhar Temple, built by the Nagpurkar Bhonsles near their palace! Constructed during the era of Raja Vyankoji alias Nanasaheb Bhonsle, this Murlidhar temple is so exquisite that it could be called the ‘Ellora of Vidarbha,’ adorned from top to bottom with intricate carvings.

The Murlidhar Temple is located near Gandhi Chowk, behind the Netaji Nagar Bhavan in Chandrapur city. Surrounded by many buildings, this temple is also popularly known as ‘Nanasaheb’s Temple.’ Chandrapur was formerly the capital of the Gond kingdom. Later, the Nagpurkar Bhonsles conquered Chandrapur and established their supremacy. This temple was situated in the courtyard of the palace (Wada) that Nanasaheb Bhonsle built for his family. There is a striking resemblance between the sculptures on this Murlidhar temple and those on the ancient Bhonsle-era Shiva temple (Bhonda Mahadev) in Nagpur city.

The site where the Chandrapur City Police Station stands today was once the location of Nanasaheb Bhonsle’s palace. After the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, the British took control of Nagpur. Subsequently, they began expanding their influence into the surrounding regions. In 1818, the British burned down Nanasaheb’s palace. They converted the office adjacent to this palace into a police station. Although Nanasaheb’s palace was destroyed over time, the Murlidhar Temple he built remains standing firmly in the same spot even after 200 years, with hundreds of its unique sculptures still intact today.

Located next to the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation building, the Murlidhar Temple faces east and is not very large. There is a narrow path leading to the temple. The temple is enclosed by a wire fence, and there is a spacious platform in front of the main entrance. The four sides of this platform are decorated with carvings. On one side of the platform is a small Maruti temple, and in front of the temple entrance stands a Nandi. There is no Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) in front of this temple. Its structure consists of an open platform, an Antarala (vestibule), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The doorway leading from the Antarala to the Garbhagriha features extremely detailed carvings. Although this temple is famous as the Murlidhar Temple, the sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. Behind the Shiva Linga, images of Shri Ganesha, Goddess Annapurna, and a Naga sculpture are carved. On the path of the Tirtha (holy water) flowing from the Shiva Linga in the sanctum, there is a sculpture of a Varaha-mukha (boar face) on the outer side.

This temple is a masterpiece of sculpture, with its outer walls covered entirely in intricate carvings. The lower part of the temple is constructed from black stone, while the upper part is built from the reddish-yellow sandstone available in this region. The sculptures on the temple include Shri Krishna immersed in Rasa-leela, Venu-Gopal playing the flute, Sakshi-Gopal, Kaliya-mardana, a Gopala hiding in a tree, Shri Krishna stealing butter, Gopis asking for their clothes, the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan), the divine pastimes of Shri Krishna, Shri Vishnu, Shri Mahadeva, Shri Rama holding a bow, Narada Muni, Goddess Durga riding a lion, Shri Narayana riding Garuda, the Moon seated in a deer-drawn chariot, and many others including Makaras (mythical sea creatures), elephants, various animals, Vyala (mythical beasts), lotus flowers, armed guards, merchants, dancers, Surasundaris (celestial beauties), and warriors. Sculptures of a lion riding an elephant are carved in many places here. On the black stones at the base, a frieze of Kirtimukhas is carved. Due to some damage to the temple’s Shikhara (spire), the Archaeological Department has installed a tin shed over it. This temple in Chandrapur is a treasure trove of stone sculptures and has been declared a protected monument by the government.

Useful Information:

• Temple in the central part of Chandrapur city
• 2.5 km from Chandrapur Bus Stand
• Being a district headquarters, ST bus services are available from many parts of the state
• Private vehicles can reach the temple premises
• Many options for accommodation and breakfast are available in the area