Chitreshwar Shiv Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to
Hindu God Shiva. It is located in Chitreshwar Village, which is around 12 km
from Baharagoda in Jharkhand. The site of the shrine is between Swarnrekha
River and Rangro Canal and is famous for Gajan festival in which devotees walk
over fire.
The temple is more than 3000 years old and is mentioned in
the Utkala Khanda of Skanda Purana.
The shrine has one of the largest natural Shivling. A unique
offering here is the murti of Nandi. One can see hundreds of Nandi murti in the
temple.
The temple complex houses a separate shrine dedicated to
Goddess Durga. She sits atop a lion and the murti is made of Ashtadhatu.
Another shrine in the complex is that of Raghunathji.
There is also a beautiful life size murti of Garuda in the
temple.
The most important festivals in the temple are Makar
Sankranti, Chatira Sankranti, Shivratri, and Navratri – Durga Puja.
Chaau Nirtya is performed during Chaitra Navratri (March).
A huge fair is organized during Makar Sankranti and Shivratri.