Mahadev Temple, Deobaloda

The Mahadev Temple at Deobaloda, in Bhilai Charoda in Chhattisgarh, is a 13th-century Shiva temple of the Kalchuri period, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is said to have been finished in six months, hence its other name, the 6 Maashi or six-month temple. It lies about 20 km from Raipur and 15 km from Bhilai, beside Deobaloda Charoda railway station.

The east-facing sandstone temple has a sanctum and a pillared hall, but its Nagara-style shikhara is missing. An ornate doorway guarded by Shaiva door-keepers leads to a lingam about 1.5 feet tall. The pillars carry Bhairava, Vishnu, Mahishasuramardini, musicians and dancers, and the walls show Shiva in several forms, Narasimha, Varaha and Lakshmi, along with hunting and bull-fighting scenes. A Nandi faces the shrine, and a shed in the courtyard holds sculptures found in excavation. A kund with 23 steps lies close by; legend says the sculptor leapt into it, and locals believe a tunnel inside leads to Arang.