The Rajiv Lochan Temple in Chhattisgarh is devoted to Bhagvan Vishnu and stands in Rajim. It stands out as a remarkable illustration of Panchayana Shaili architecture. The temple's design relies on twelve towered columns adorned with intricate stone carvings, each featuring the visages of different Hindu mythological deities. Within the temple, distinct shrines honor various incarnations of Bhagavan Vishnu, such as Vamana and Narasimha. Let's delve into the rich history and story surrounding the Rajim Lochan Temple.
History Of Rajiv Lochan Mandir
The temple predates the 7th century CE, with an inscription
from that era documenting its construction during the reign of King
Vilasatunga. This king is likely associated with a branch of the Nala dynasty.
Rajiv Lochan Temple Story
The Rajiv Lochan temple story is rooted in oral traditions.
According to one version, Bhagavan Vishnu tasked Bhagavan Vishwakarma, the
chief architect of the universe, with building a temple cum earthly abode in a
place untarnished by death or cremation. Unable to find such a place,
Vishwakarma returned empty-handed. In response, Bhagavan Vishnu hurled a Lotus
to Earth, instructing Vishwakarma to construct a temple where the flower
touched the ground. This legend gave rise to the Rajim Lochan temple and the
Panchkoshi Dhaam, comprising Kuleshwarnath (Rajim), Champeshwarnath
(Chamaranya), Bramhkeshwarnaath (Bramhani), Pandeshwarnath (Fingeshwar), and
Kopeshwarnaath (Kopra).
There is also another popular story associated with the Rajiv
Lochan Temple. In ancient times, there was a king named Ratnakar known for his
piety and religious devotion. He was deeply engrossed in performing a Yagya, a
sacred Vedic ritual, when he faced a formidable challenge. Demons disrupted the
ceremony, causing chaos and despair for the king. Overwhelmed by the situation,
King Ratnakar cried out to the gods for help.
Simultaneously, in another part of the kingdom, a royal
elephant named Gajendra was entangled in a life-and-death struggle with a
vicious crocodile named Grah. The mighty elephant, in immense pain and
distress, fervently prayed to Bhagavan Vishnu, the preserver in Hinduism, for
salvation. Hearing the sincere plea of Gajendra, Bhagavan Vishnu swiftly
appeared barefoot to rescue the suffering elephant from the clutches of the
crocodile.
Having successfully saved Gajendra, Bhagavan Vishnu then
turned his attention to King Ratnakar, who was still in distress due to the
demonic interruption of his Yagya. The compassionate deity appeared before the
king, offering solace and blessings. Touched by King Ratnakar's devotion and
remorse for the disturbance in his rituals, Bhagavan Vishnu bestowed his divine
grace upon him.
As a result of this encounter, Bhagavan Vishnu made a
significant promise to King Ratnakar. He pledged to stay on Earth in the form
of 'Rajim Lochan,' signifying another sacred abode of the deity.