Grandeur of Markanda Temple, Gadchiroli (Pt - 1)

Markanda Temple is in Chamorshi Tahsil situated on the bank of the Wainganga river south of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Markanda is supposed to derive its name from the sage Markandeya who lived and worshipped Shiva here. Earlier,there were 24 temples. At present, there are only 18 temples existing, out of them only 4 temples are in good condition. About 300 years ago the main temple of Markanda was struck by a lightning, and the upper part of the spire massively destroyed. Markanda is middle place in India which is a place of matchless art and grandeur.
It makes us to remind places of art like Khajuraho, Konark, Ajanta, Ellora. The Markanda temple reflect the architectural style of Khajuraho, although no inscriptions exist to indicate their exact age. On external part of the main temple there are many sculptures of Gods, Goddess and hermits i.e. Vyal, Ashtadikpal, Apsara, Sursundari and Devangana. The sculptures of many birds, Gajlakshmi, Narsimha and Shiv Parvati are kept there in too. The courtyard of temple is world popular for lady images. The ladies here are engrossed in the action of dance. There are also stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata in the internal part of the temple. The experts say that the total images counted so far are said to be 409. We can not understand its matchless glory and art of Vidarbha unless we see it.
A great fair is held here on the occasion of Mahashivratri.