Maa Bamleshwari Temple, Dongargarh

The Maa Bamleshwari Temple stands on a hilltop at Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district and is one of the most visited goddess shrines in the area. Tradition holds that the limbs of Sati, Shiva's wife, fell on this spot during his dance of destruction, and that the temple was raised in honour of her devotion and sacrifice.

The way up winds through forest with views over the countryside and seasonal streams. Many pilgrims make the steep climb on foot as an act of faith. Carved sculptures and old relics are found around the complex, and the shrine itself is filled with incense and devotional singing.