Markanda Mahadev Temples, Chamorshi

The Markanda Mahadev temple complex stands beside the Wainganga River close to Chamorshi in Gadchiroli district, close to the village of Marakand Deo. Dedicated to Shiva and nicknamed Mini Khajuraho, it is described as an 8th-century complex, and its building is attributed to the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The temples are spread over 40 acres and many are dilapidated, but their outer walls still carry numerous intricate murtis.

The name recalls the sage Markandeya, a devotee of Shiva. Legend says that after years of penance he was about to offer his own head when Shiva appeared, stopped him and blessed him with a temple bearing his name. The complex lies on the road to Chamorshi from Gadchiroli or from Chandrapur, beyond Mul. It is 67 km from Chandrapur, the nearest railway station, and roughly 190 km from Nagpur.