Mandawa Mahal, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh India

Actually, this is a Shiva temple and is situated in the south of Bhoramdeo temple at a distance of 1 km. It has the ‘Garbhagriha’ and ‘Mandapa’. This old temple is called mandwa Mahal. In local dialect and even in Chhattisgarhi language a word Mandapa is called Mandwa or Madwa. That is why this mahal is called Mandwa Mahal. The Mandapa is based upon 16 stone built pillars. It faces the east direction. The outer wall of Garbhagriha is decorated with erotic sculptures. The mandapa is now renovated. However, the upper shikhar [top] part is broken which is under renovation. This monument was built by Ambika Devi, a queen of Phanivamshi King named Ramchandra in 15th cent. A.D. This temple is a good example of the temples built in the period of Nagavamshi rulers bearing influence of tantric cult.