Introduction

Janjgir-Champa District of Chhattisgarh came into existence on 25th of May, 1998. This district is situated in the central region of the state and so it is considered as the `Heart of Chhattisgarh`. District headquarters of Janjgir-Champa District are at Janjgir, which is popularly known as the city of Maharaja Jajawalya Dev of Kulchury dynasty. Janjgir-Champa District is a major producer of food grains in Chhattisgarh. Janjgir is 65 kms away from Bilaspur and 175 kms from state capital Raipur. Vishnu Mandir of this district reflects the golden past of this district. Vishnu Mandir of Janjgir-Champa District is an ancient artistic sample of Vaishnava community. Further, the Hasdeobango project has been considered as life supporting canal for the district. Under this project three-fourth of the total area of the district will be covered for irrigation. As per Census 2001 the total population of Janjgir-Champa District is 1,317,431.

Location of Janjgir-Champa District

Janjgir-Champa District is located between the longitudes 21.6 degree to 22.4 degree towards the north and latitude 82.3 degree to 83.2 degree towards east. The altitude of this district is 294.4 metres above the sea level. Janjgir-Champa District is bounded by Raigarh District in its east, by Bilaspur District in its west, by Korba in its north and by Mahanadi River, Raigarh District in its south. Total area of Janjgir-Champa District is 4,46,674 sq kms.

Administration of Janjgir-Champa District

Administration of Janjgir-Champa District includes five sub-divisions and these are Janjgir, Pamgarh, Champa, Sakti and Dabhara. The 10 tehsils of this district are Janjgir, Akaltara, Baloda, Nawagarh, Champa, Pamgarh, Sakti, Jaijaipur, Malkharoda and Dabhara. There are around 913 revenue villages under the administrative set-up of Janjgir-Champa District.

Temple Cluster of Janjgir- Champa

Situated in the exact centre if Chhattisgarh, is a major city of Janjgir-Champa, the city of Maharaja Jajawalya Dev of the Kalchuri Dynasty and the Vishnu Mandir, reflecting the city`s golden past.

Vishnu Mandir- The kings of the Hayhay dynasty began constructing this temple in two parts in the 12th century, but eventually did not complete it. The still unfinished temple therefore is a major tourist attraction and can still be seen near the Bhima Talab (pond).

Pithampur Shiv Mandir- Also known as Kaleshwarnath Mandir, this is on the banks of the river Hasdeo. A 10-day fair is organised here during Mahashivratri. Every year on Rang Panchami, Naga saints participate in the enactment of the marriage procession of Lord Shiva.

Madanpurgarh Devi Mandir- This temple is also located on the banks of the Hasdeo River. Navratri festival is celebrated with full splendor and fervor every year.

Ghatadai (Paharia) Tripur Sundar Devi Temple- This temple, dedicated to Tripur Sundar Devi, is surrounded by dense forests and sublime mountains.

Shivnarayan Laxminarayan Temple- This 11th century Vaishnava temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty on the banks of the Mahanadi River, at Shivnarayan Nagar. It is believed that Shabri Ashram, mentioned in Ramayana, was located here. During Magh Poornima, an enormous fair is organised here.

Kharud Nagar Laxmaneshwar Temple- Local people are of the belief that this temple was built and named after Laxman, younger brother to Lord Ram, the central character to the epic Ramayana.

Adbhar Ashtbhuji Temple- This is an extremely ancient temple of Goddess Devi with 8 hands. The Jyoti Kalash (a lamp burning inside a pot) is lit here every Navratri.

Chandrahasini Devi Temple- Situated on the banks of Mahanadi River, this is a very popular place both as a pilgrimage and vacationing spot. Revellers enjoy the mela (fair) organised here on Navratri.

Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District

Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District includes visits to various religious and historical places of interest. The tourism spots of this district of Chhattisgarh attract travellers from all across the globe. Exploring the different sightseeing options offered by the district will give the visitors an enriching experience filled with thrill and tranquility. Here, one can have all the ingredients of a perfect tourism experience as there is no dearth of popular places of interest.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District : Pilgrimage tourism in Janjgir-Champa District covers Vishnu Mandir, Adbhar, Madanpurgarh, Ghatadai and many other temples.

Vishnu Mandir, Janjgir: Vishnu Mandir was built by kings of Hayhay Vansh, near Bhima Talab of purani basti of Janjgir. It was constructed in two parts to make a full temple, but both the parts were not assembled in time and as a result of it, both the parts of the temple are separate and the temple is incomplete. Due to this, the temple is also called as Nakata Mandir by local people. On the walls of the temple statue of several Gods and Goddesses, makes it a worth visiting place for the tourists.

Adbhar (Devi Temple): It is an ancient temple and one of the prime attractions of this district.

Madanpurgarh (Devi Mandir): This temple is also situated on the bank of Hasdeo River. It is famous for Devi Mandir. The festival of Navratri is celebrated here with full devotion and faith.

Pithampur (Shiv Mandir): This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated on the bank of river Hasdeo and is also known as Kaleshwarnath Mandir. A 10 days fair is organized here during the occasions of Shivaratri and Rang Panchami.

Ghatadai (Paharia): It is a temple dedicated to Tripur Sundar Devi. This temple is surrounded by forests and mountains. These features enhance the beauty of the entire site.

Turridham (Shiva Temple): This Lord Shiva temple is popularly known as Turridham. On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, fairs are organized here every year.

Laxmaneshwar Temple, Kharaud: According to some legends, this temple was built by Laxman, brother of Lord Rama. That is why the temple is known as Laxmneshwar Temple.

Chandrahasini Temple, Chandrapur: Here Chandrahasini Devi temple is situated on the bank of Mahanadi River. Every year on the eve of Navratri, big fairs are organized here.

Nature Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District :  Kanhara: This beautiful place is situated on the bank of Lilagar River and is surrounded with forest that adds to its natural beauty.

Dewar Ghata: It is a sangam place (or meeting point) of three rivers - Mahanadi River, Lilagar River and Shivnath River.

Damudhara: This place is amazingly beautiful. It has water falls, caves, Ram-Janki Temple, Radha-Krishan Temple, Rishavdev Temple, etc. The other tourist places near this place are Panchwati, Sitamadi, etc.

People from different parts come to visit these tourist attractions offered by Janjgir-Champa District.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District : Janjgir-Champa District is famous for the unique religious beliefs of the district, ancient temples and various myths related to them. The temples of this region were built during the ancient past but have still maintained their beauty and sanctity. Grand fairs and festivals are celebrated in these pilgrimage sites which witness a huge assemblage of devotees and pilgrims from local as well as distant regions.

Vishnu Mandir : Vishnu Mandir is an ancient temple situated near Bhima Talab of purani basti, in Janjgir. It was constructed by kings of Hayhay Vansh in the 12th century. The temple was built in two parts to form its full structure. But in course of time the two parts could not be assembled and consequently they still lie on the ground separately keeping the temple incomplete. Owing to this, the temple is also referred as `Nakata Mandir` by the local folks. Statues of Gandharava, Kinners, Gods and Goddess are depicted on the walls of the temple.

Adbhar (Devi Temple) : It is one of the oldest temples of the district dedicated to Goddess Devi with eight hands. During Navaratri, Jyoti Kalash are illuminated in the temple.

Madanpurgarh (Devi Mandir) : Situated along the bank of Hasdeo River, the temple is popularly called as Devi Mandir. Grand celebration of Navaratri can be witnessed in the temple.

Pithampur (Shiv Mandir) : Pithampur is also located along the bank of Hasdeo River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Kaleshwarnath Mandir. On the occasion of Rang Panchami and Mahashivratri a grand fair is organized in the temple for ten days. During Rang Panchami a spectacular marriage procession of Lord Shiva is organized every year. The procession is also joined by a group of Naga Saints.

Ghatadai (Paharia) (Tripur Singar Devi) : This beautiful temple stands amidst forests and mountains and offers a magnificent view. It is dedicated to Tripur Sundar Devi.

Turridham (Shiv Temple) : Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple. A three days grand fair is held in the temple during Mahashivratri.

Laxmaneshwar Temple, Kharaud : Legends say that the temple was built by the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and hence the temple is called so. It attracts a number of pilgrims and devotees from far off places.

Shivarinarayan Temple : It is an ancient temple built in 11th century by the kings of Hayhay Vansh. It stands on the bank of Mahanadi River at Shivarinarayan Nagar. Hindu mythology says that Shabri Aasharma was situated here at the age of Ramayana. Exquisite Vaishnava architecture can be witnessed in the temple. On the occasion of Magh purnima an impressive fair is organized in the temple.

Chandrahasini Temple, Chandrapur : Situated on the bank of River Mahanadi, Chandrahasini temple is a significant pilgrimage centre. During Navratri, a grand fair organized here attracts a number of devotees and tourists. The temple is famed among the tourists and pilgrims throughout the country.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Janjgir-Champa District not only attracts the pilgrims but also a number of tourists who want to explore the religious history, culture, traditions and religious practices of this region. These sites along with their rituals and celebrations contribute immensely in the cultural heritage of the country.