Bhatala’s temple without shikhar houses Vidarbha’s largest Shivling

Nagpur/Chandrapur: Bhatala village, a prehistoric site in Warora taluka of Chandrapur district, stands out for its deep historical and mythological significance. Known as a "Shilpgram" or village of sculptures, Bhatala is home to a remarkable two-storeyed Mahadev temple dating back to around the 7th-8th century. The temple houses a massive Shivling, believed to be the largest in Vidarbha, making the site one of exceptional religious and archaeological importance.According to assistant director of the directorate of archaeology and museums and curator Mayuresh Khadke, the Shivling is regarded as the largest not merely at the local level but across northern Vidarbha, including the Nagpur region. He explains that references to its scale are made in the context of the wider geographical area, underscoring the uniqueness of the shrine.
The Bhonda Mahadev Temple stands to the west of the Bhatala and faces east. Built of reddish-yellow sandstone, it is among the oldest temples in Chandrapur district — 13 km from Warora; 95 km from Chandrapur.Its most unusual characteristic is the absence of a shikhar, or spire. Local tradition holds that lightning struck the temple centuries ago, destroying the shikhar, kalash and amalaka. During later repairs, the structure was rebuilt without a spire, giving rise to the name "Bhonda Mahadev", meaning a temple without a shikhar.Khadke also points out that the temple's architectural form is considered a mystery, particularly because the structure visible today appears incomplete when compared to what it may originally have been. He confirmed that the site is a protected state monument and that conservation work by the department is nearing completion.The official also pointed out that the temple remains an active place of worship, attracting large numbers of devotees, especially during three-day Mahashivratri fair, when a major yatra is organised and managed by the temple trust. Historical evidence suggests that several major dynasties, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Guptas, Parmars, Chalukyas and Nagavanshi rulers, held sway over this region at different times. These rulers contributed to the construction of temples and monuments, many of which survive in fragments today. It is also believed that intricately carved stone sculptures from Bhatala were once transported beyond the region, possibly even overseas. The carvings on the ancient Bhavani temple and the rock-cut caves near Rishi Lake further reinforce Bhatala's antiquity. Recognising this heritage, the Maharashtra govt has declared the village a tourist destination. The temple has a 10 ft x4 ft monolithic black stone Shivpindi. Black stone source and transport remain a mystery. It is believed to date to the Rashtrakuta period (10th century. The temple has idols of Kartikeya, Shiva and Chamunda. Mayuresh Khadke notes that the temple was originally much taller, and the missing shikhar suggests it may once have been one of the most advanced and imposing temples of its era. He adds that the front mandap is now entirely missing and was likely lost over time.