Bhoramdeo & Madwa Mahal Heritage Trail

Editorial Note: The essential companion exploration to Bhoramdeo Temple, located less than a kilometer away along a scenic country road.

While Bhoramdeo Temple attracts most visitors, the surrounding Chaura and Chapri landscape holds two equally compelling 14th-century monuments built by the Nagavanshi dynasty: Madwa Mahal and Cherki Mahal.

Madwa Mahal (The Marriage Mandap)

Built in 1349 CE by King Ramchandra Dev to commemorate his royal marriage to princess Ambika Devi of the Haihaya dynasty, Madwa (literally meaning 'marriage pavilion') features:

• Sixteen Carved Pillars: An open-air pillared hall constructed entirely of stone.
• Erotic Stone Panels: Over fifty outer wall sculptures portraying intimate couples in postures similar to Khajuraho.
• Inscribed Stone Slab: A famous inscription detailing the genealogy and history of 24 Nagavanshi rulers of Kawardha.

Cherki Mahal (The Shepherd Shrine)

Located a short distance away among cultivated mustard and lentil fields, Cherki Mahal is a rare monolithic brick and stone structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, named after local shepherd folklore.

Quick Overview & Information

Highlights & Why to Visit

• Madwa Mahal: 14th-century open-air 16-pillared stone marriage mandap
• Cherki Mahal: Unique monolithic brick and stone Shiva shrine in the fields
• Historic stone inscriptions recording 24 generations of Nagavanshi rulers
• Rural countryside trail winding through mustard and paddy fields

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Best Timing: Plan your visit during operational daylight or evening hours according to your schedule.
• Local Connectivity: Easily accessible via local e-rickshaws, shared auto-rickshaws, and private two-wheelers from Rajmahal Chowk or the Kawardha Bus Stand.
• Payments & Facilities: Digital UPI payments (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) and cash are widely accepted across Kawardha.