Dantewada
Introduction
Dantewada, to the south of Bastar, derives its name from its presiding deity, Devi Danteshwari, the Goddess worshipped as an incarnation of shakti (strength). It is believed to be one of the 52 sacred shakti peethas (seat of shakti , female power) of Hindu mythology.
Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, is reputed to have taken shelter here during his 14 years of exile. At various times, the region has been ruled by the Nags, Satwahanas, Nalas and Chalukyas. Traces of Buddhism and Jainism dating back to the 3 rd century AD can be seen here.
Dantewada's forests are home to several species of wildlife, including 2 that are native to the area the Pahadi Maina and the Wild Buffalo. The area is inhabited by several tribal groups, including Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Halba, Bhatra, and Gonds. They are renowned for their artistic.
Dantewada Attractions
1. Bodhghat Sath Dhar
6 kms from Barsur, river Indravati divides into 7 parts to form one small waterfall. This spot, fully covered with dense green forests stands to explain the beauty of the combination of the river, water and the mountains. With all its beauty and peaceful locality Sath Dhar is an idle picnic spot.
2. Memory Pillars of Gamawada
14 KMs from Dantewada, on the way to Bacheli one small village Gama Wada is located where large sized stone pillars invites the visitors to have a glance at the age old tradition of the local tribes. These giant sized stone pillars which were erected centuries back by the local inhabitants are basically the memory pillars dedicated to their diseased elders and relatives.
3. Danteshwari Temple
This ancient temple is at the confluence of the Dankini and Shankini rivers, about one and a half hours from Jagdalpur. It was built by the Chalukya kings of Bastar in honour of their family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari, who is venerated by both Hindus and tribals in the entire Bastar region (Danteshwari is believed to be the new name of Manikeshwari, the family Goddess of the Naga Dynasty who preceeded the Chalukyas).The temple is divided into four parts - Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap.The first two are constructed using stone. The temple itself has been constructed at various times, but the sanctum sanctorum is believed to be more than 800 years old. A Garud Pillar has been erected in front of the temple entrance. The Danteshwari Temple really comes to life during the Bustar Dassera festival season. Men have to wear a lungi to enter the temple.
Getting There
By Road
Dantewada is connected with Jagadalpur the nearest town, by State Highway No.9 . MPSRTC is running regular services from almost all the big cities of Chatthisgarh , like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg & Rajnandgaon to Bailadila, which goes through Dantewada. Apart from MPSRTC private luxary buses are also being run from all these cities to Bailadila which passes through Dantewada. Dantewada is also connected by road with Hyderabad, the capital city of the neighboring state Andhra Pradesh on which APSRTC is running its bus service regularly.
Jagdalpur - 87, Raipur - 383, Durg - 421, Rajnadgaon - 462, Bilaspur - 499, Hyderabad - 560
By Train
South East Railway is running a regular train (ordinary) from Vishakha Pattanam to Bailadila which passes through the beautiful Araku Vally, and stops a while at Dantewada before reaching its destination Bailadila.
By Air
The nearest Air terminal is Raipur.
