Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh
Dongargarh is a city located in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh state of India . The history of this place is linked to the kingdom of Gond kings. It is also the headquarters of the tehsil of the same name. It is famous for the local Mata Bamleshwari temple . Here Chandragiri Jain religious place and Pragyagiri were built by Panjya Metta Sangha and every year the International Buddhist Conference is organized on Prajnyagiri by Panjya Metta Sangha. Pragyagiri Buddhist religious place is also located.
Nominative:-
“Dongar” means “mountain” and “Garh” means “fort”, meaning the name of the city means “fort on the mountain”.
History of Dongargarh:-
Dongargarh is the frontier tehsil headquarters of Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, on the Howrah-Mumbai railway route of the South-East Central Railway and on the Raipur-Nagpur National Highway, bordering Maharashtra state. It was a zamindari during the British rule. Since ancient times, Vimalai Devi has been the presiding deity here, who is today famous by the name of Bamleshwari Devi.
Legend has it that there was once a fort on the hill here, which was the residence of ‘Kamakandala’, the heroine of the famous anecdote named Madhavanal Kamakandala. It was in this fort that Kamkandala met Madhavanal. This love story is popular everywhere in Chhattisgarh. Remains of ancient sculptures are found on the hill of Dongargarh. Considerable influence of Gond culture is visible on its sculpture. The idols found here were mostly made in the 15th-16th century AD.
There is a Siddhapeetha of ‘Vimalai Devi’ on the hill near the station. Behind the hill there is a fort called ‘Tapasi Kaal’, inside which a temple of Lord Vishnu is situated. According to some people, Vimalai Devi is the family deity of the original inhabitants of Maina caste. This goddess also has a place in Dhamtari, Raipur district. There is also a fort named Vimalaigarh in Chhattisgarh, which is famous in the name of this goddess. In fact, this goddess has a prominent place in the local culture of the tribals of some areas of Chhattisgarh.
Mata Bamleshwari Temple
Best time to visit in Dongargarh:-
The best time to visit Dongargarh is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this time is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Sightseeing places of dongargarh chhattisgarh:-
There is much to see or explore in Dongargarh. He is famous for his natural or man-made Attractions. Let us know to some of the best tourist places of Dongargarh.
1. Pragya Giri:-
Pragya giri is an area of Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh situated on a hilltop of 1,000 feet (300 m). There is a Buddh vihara with a large Buddha statue facing east. There are 225 steps leading up the mountain.
Construction of Pragyagiri was done in 1998 by Pujya Bhadant Sangharatna Manake k (President Pannya Metta Sangha India).Dhamma work is continuing on Pragyagiri Dongargarh from Pannya Metta sangha India In since 1991. The first International Buddhist Conference was held on 6 February 1992 by Pujya Bhadant Sangharatna Manake (President’s Message Mata Sangha). So far, 25 international Buddhist conferences have been organized by the Pannya Metta Sangha.
How to Reach Pragyagiri:-
Dongargarh is also well connected with trains. It is on the Mumbai – Howrah main line at a distance of 170 km from Nagpur and 100 km from Raipur. The nearest airport is at Raipur Airport. Pragyagiri is 1 km before reaching dongergarh.
Living Arrangements:-
There is a good arrangement of accommodation at this ancient pilgrimage site. There are many hotels, lodges and dhamashalas Here run by Maa Bamleshwari trust. and Tourism launge facility Given by the Tourism department also here.
You can get detailed information by visiting the tourist center at the railway station. You can get information about any pilgrimage site and facility of hotel booking.
2. Maa Bambleshwari Temple:-
Dongargarh is a city and municipality in Rajnandgaon District in the state of Chhattisgarh, India and the site of the Bambleshwari Temple. A prominent pilgrim destination in Rajnandgaon District, the city lies about 35 kilometres west from Rajnandgaon, 67 kilometres west from Durg and 132 kilometres east from Bhandara which are situated on National Highway 6. Featuring majestic mountains and ponds, Dongargarh is derived from the words: Dongarh meaning ‘mountains’ and garh meaning ‘fort’. The Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple, situated on a 1,600 feet high hilltop, is a popular landmark. It is of great spiritual importance and several legends are associated with this shrine too. Another prominent shrine in the vicinity is Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple. Devotees flock these temples during Navratri. Shivji Temple and temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman are also located here. The ropeway is an added attraction and is the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh. A severe accident occurred in 2016 when the ropeway broke and fell down killing several people. The town is known for religious Harmony and has considerable population of Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians and Jains apart from Hindus.
Maa Bambleshwari Temple, Dongargarh
Best time to visit Maa Bambaleshwari Temple:-
You can visit Maa Bambleshwari Devi, Dongargarh at any time of the year. But if you are going to visit other tourist places of bhilai along with Dongargarh. So for this, the best time is in the month of October to March, during which the weather is quite pleasant. Navratri is also the best time to visit Maa Bambleshwari Devi temple.
How to Reach Maa Bambleshwari Devi Temple:-
By Air
The nearest Airport is Just 72 kms away from the city is Swami Vivekananda International Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
By Train
There are regular trains from other major cities (like New Delhi,Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Banglore, Ahmedabad, Raipur etc) of the country to Rajnandgaon. Railway Station name is - Raj Nandgaon(RJN).
By Road
Rajanandgaon city is connected to the National Highway. This city is located on NH 6. It is 72 kms away from Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur and is 212 kms away from Nagpur(Maharashtra).
3. Mata Karela Bhavani:-
Mata Karela Bhavani is present on the holy land of Chhattisgarh. Which is situated in a village named Bhandarpur on the road going 14 km north from Dongargarh, which comes under Khairagarh tehsil and Post Dhara. it Is situated at a distance of Khairagarh by road is 26 km. And 30 km from Rajnandgaon.
This holy place, famous as Bhavani Dongri, has been named Karela because bitter gourds themselves grow without seeds on the land here. One village is known as Chhota Karela and the other village is known as Bada Karela. Mother Karela Bhavani is at this holy place full of beauty of nature.
A fair is organized here from time to time during Navratri, on this occasion there is a crowd of devotees. Here during Navratri, 1000 Jyotirlinga idols are celebrated and 1100 idols are offered to the Mother Goddess.
4. Shri Chandraprabhu Digambar Jain Temple Dongargarh:-
Shri Chandraprabhu Digambar Jain Temple is a famous temple of Rajnandgaon. This is a Jain temple. This temple is completely made of red stones. This temple is also very beautifully built and here you get to see Chandraprabhu ji in the sanctum sanctorum. Here one gets to see the huge statue of Chandraprabhu ji. You can go up the hill here and also see the beautiful view all around. This is a place worth visiting in Dongargarh.
5. Nigo Reservoir Rajnandgaon:-
Nigo Reservoir is a natural site located near Rajnandgaon. It is a beautiful reservoir. This reservoir is surrounded by hills on all sides. This reservoir is located inside the forest. You can come here and spend a great time. This reservoir is about 15 kilometers away from Dongargarh. It is situated near Kanhar village. You can come here for a ride by car.
6. Dangbora Reservoir Rajnandgaon:-
Dangbora Dam is a natural tourist destination located near Rajnandgaon. It is surrounded by forests on all sides. Here you get to see wild animals and fish. This place is very beautiful. This dam is about 16 kilometers away from Dongargarh. Dangbora Dam is situated in Totalabharri Ghotiya road. You can come here to visit with family and friends. It is a good place to have a picnic.
7. Paniyajob Dam Rajnandgaon:-
Paniyajob Dam is a beautiful site located near Rajnandgaon. This is a reservoir. This reservoir is surrounded by forest on all sides. Here you also get to see Maa Kuwari Path temple. This temple is very beautiful. The statue of Lord Shankar is present here. This dam is surrounded by hills on all sides and here you get to see fishes and exotic birds. You can come here for a picnic. This dam is located near Dongargarh.