Varsha PandeyPanchmukhi Shiva temple
A huge crowd of devotees gathered since morning to visit the ancient Shiva temple in Sarona village of Raipur.
There was a rush of devotees to visit this 250-year-old Panchmukhi Shiva temple on the Sawan.
Devotees were seen standing in line, waiting for their turn.
Amidst the chanting of mantras, Panchmukhi Lord Shiva was beautifully decorated.
During this time, chants of Bam-Bam Bhole continued in the temple premises.
The entire temple complex echoed with cheers.
Panchmukhi Shiva temple
This temple is built between two ponds.
Both the ponds enhance the beauty of this temple.
It is said that the water of the pond flows from below this temple.
People also know it by the name of Tortoise Shiva Temple.
Many turtles live in both ponds, including two turtles that are more than 100 years old, and devotees stand on the banks of the pond for hours to see them.
History of Panchmukhi Shiva temple
This temple was built by Rajputs.
Naga Sadhus had camped in the forests around Sarona village.
He made many wishes to have a child.
During this time he met Naga Sadhus.
On this, the sadhus advised to dig a pond near the village and build a Shiva temple.
A pond was dug on it and a Shiva temple was built there.
On this, the Thakur family got two children.
Even today people come to this temple with the wish of having a child.
Bholenath’s blessings shower on childless people.
People come here not only from Chhattisgarh but also from other states with the wish of having a child.
Turtles are worshiped in Panchmukhi Shiva temple
As old as this temple is, the turtles and fishes living in this pond are as old.
According to Priest Goswami, the fish and turtles in the pond here are considered to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva.
Those who harm them can have a serious accident.
Therefore, the people living around here never tried to catch the fish or turtles in this pond.
Not only this but if any outsider also tries to do this, the consequences are bad.
Here people consider fish and turtles as incarnations of God and worship them and feed them flour as Prasad.
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is unique
In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, there is a statue of Mahadev, Parvati, and Lord Ganesha along with Panchmukhi Shivalinga, in which Mahadev is holding Lord Ganesha in his lap.
The idol of Brahma riding on a swan is installed.
Here the idol of Vishnu is present with Garuda. Ganesha and Parvati are also present.
The door guard is Kirtimukh.
Shiva with five faces is also present.
It is believed that by worshiping Shiva every wish is fulfilled.
Every year special puja is performed here on Sawan and Mahashivratri.
This temple was built in the year 1838 AD.
The temple is maintained by the Thakur family.
The entire complex is built between two ponds.
The water of the pond flows from below this temple.
It is famous for the name of the Tortoise Shiva Temple.
It is home to many turtles, including two turtles that are over 100 years old.
To see this, devotees wait for hours on the banks of the pond in the temple.
how to reach the temple
Sarona Shiv Temple is about 15 kilometers from the bus stand and railway station.
After coming to Raipura Bridge from any route, you will have to enter Sarona village on the way to Tatibandh.
The temple can be reached after traveling two kilometers inside the village from the ring road.
Apart from this, the temple is only two kilometers away from behind Sarona railway platform and AIIMS.
There are turtles more than 100 years old in the temple pond, it is considered lucky to see these turtles.
