Exploring the Cultural and Natural Wonders of Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

I travelled to Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chattisgarh on February 21 and 22, 2023 for assessment-related

work. Due to the unavailability of direct flights, I had to spend the night of the 19th at Hyderabad Grand Hotel. During my stay at the hotel, I enjoyed taking a long morning walk nearby.

The following day, on the 20th, I took a flight to Jagdalpur Airport, where the college principal and other authorities received me. I stayed at Hotel Avinash International from February 20th to February 22nd and was impressed by the hospitable staff. On 22, till noon, I had some time to visit nearby places. I visited the Anthropological Museum, Temple and Palace

Jagdalpur, located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. One of the must-visit places in Jagdalpur is the Anthropological Museum, which showcases the diverse and unique cultural heritage of the tribal communities of Bastar.

The Anthropological Museum in Jagdalpur was established in the year 1972 by the Anthropological Survey of India. The museum is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible for tourists. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the various tribal communities of Bastar.

The museum is divided into various sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the tribal culture of Bastar. The first section is dedicated to the musical instruments and dance forms of the tribal communities. Visitors can see various musical instruments like the dhol, nagara, mandar, and bansuri, which are used in tribal music and dance performances. The museum also showcases various costumes and ornaments worn by tribal dancers during their performances.

The second section of the museum is dedicated to the tribal art and craft of Bastar. Visitors can see various handicrafts made by the tribal communities, like wood carvings, bell metal crafts, and terracotta pottery. The museum also showcases various paintings and sculptures made by the tribal artists of Bastar.

The third section of the museum is dedicated to the tribal lifestyle and social customs of Bastar. Visitors can see various household items used by the tribal communities, like cooking utensils, baskets, and farming tools. The museum also showcases various artifacts related to the marriage customs, festivals, and religious practices of the tribal communities.

The fourth section of the museum is dedicated to the flora and fauna of Bastar. Visitors can see various specimens of rare and endangered species of plants and animals found in the Bastar region. The museum also has a section dedicated to the medicinal plants used by the tribal communities for various ailments.

The Anthropological Museum in Jagdalpur is not just a tourist attraction, but it is also an important center for research and documentation of the tribal communities of Bastar. The museum regularly conducts workshops and seminars on various aspects of tribal culture and heritage. The museum also has a library that houses a vast collection of books and documents related to the tribal communities of Bastar.

I also visited Bastar Palace, located in the Jagdalpur city of Chhattisgarh, which is the headquarters of the administration of Bastar district. The Bastar Palace was the administrative seat of the district that dates back to prehistoric times. According to the historical records, this palace was built during the prehistoric times, after the shifting of the capital from Barsur to Jagdalpur by the rulers. The main point of attraction for the visitors in this palace is the superb figurines and drawings that can be seen on the ceiling and the walls of this palace. Glittering of this fort in sunlight is another remarkable addition to its beauty. One monument has been built by the government inside the area of this palace. The awesome gardens that encircle this palace allure the visitors. The Government provided protection to this palace. 

Also  had the fortune of visiting Danteshwari Temple at Jagdalpur and performed a Seva there. Danteshwari Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state in India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, a form of Goddess Durga, who is believed to be the presiding deity of the local Bastar region. The temple is one of Chhattisgarh's most revered shrines and is considered one of the Shakti Peethas, the holiest shrines of the Goddess Shakti.

The temple has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. The temple was believed to be built by the Chalukya kings of the South Indian dynasty during the 14th century. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the latest renovation work carried out in 1997 by the local government. The temple complex covers an area of 25 acres and is built in the traditional Nagara style of architecture, which is characterized by its tower-like structure and intricate carvings.

The temple is located on the banks of the Shankini River, which is considered as a sacred river by the locals. The temple has four entrances, each representing the four cardinal directions. The main entrance is the Mahadwara, a large and imposing gateway leading to the temple courtyard. The temple courtyard is surrounded by several small shrines dedicated to various deities.

The main sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Goddess Danteshwari, which is made of black stone and is adorned with several precious ornaments. The idol is believed to be over 800 years old and is considered as one of the most powerful manifestations of Goddess Durga. The idol is flanked by the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, which are also worshipped by the devotees.

The temple is famous for its annual Dussehra festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the locals. The festival is marked by the procession of the idol of Goddess Danteshwari through the streets of Dantewada, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from across the region, who come to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

In conclusion, Danteshwari Temple is an important cultural and religious landmark in Chhattisgarh. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus and a popular tourist destination for its historical and architectural significance. The temple's location on the banks of the Shankini River and its traditional Nagara-style architecture make it a unique and beautiful attraction in the region.