The mystical Kankali Devi Temple is in the charming Tigawa Village of Madhya Pradesh!
This ancient Hindu temple, also known as Tigawa Temple, is sure to leave you spellbound with its stunning architecture and quirky features.
As you step into the temple, you’ll be greeted by a seated Vishnu image in a yoga asana position with a serpent hood above the head. It’s like the pose of Tirthankaras and the Buddha !
And let’s not forget about the fierce Kali Devi statue – during Navratri, her neck is slightly tilted from its original position. We can only assume she’s checking out the visitors and making sure they’re worthy of her blessings.
Built by the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century AD, this temple complex probably housed many other temples, but only two survive today. The sanctum now houses a murti of Lord Ugranarasimha, and the entrance is flanked by images of Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. The inner wall of the porch bears beautiful carvings of Lord Vishnu reclining on Shesha and Goddess Chamundi. We have to say, the Gupta sculptural art is truly marvelous.
But wait, there’s more! The temple also has idols of Narsimha, Sheshashai Vishnu, and Chamunda Devi. And the heavy and beautiful pillars, probably Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha, are worth admiring too. The roof of the shrine is flat without any shikara, but the front porch (ardhamandapa) supported on columns bearing patterns of foliage, miniature kudu arches framing small human/animal faces, and lions sculpted at its top will make you feel like you’re in a different era.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit the Kankali Devi Temple in Tigawa and immerse yourself in the history, art, and quirkiness of this amazing temple.