Kankali Mandir, Tigawa, Madhya Pradesh

Khinkali Mandir in the village of Tigawa (Madhya Pradesh) is an ancient temple that dates back to the 5th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi and Lord Vishnu. Kankali Temple is a part of a group of 36 temples that are mostly in ruins. However, Kankali Temple is in remarkably good condition. These temples belong to the Gupta Period. The 36 temples were spread over just 30,000 square feet.

The Kankali Mandir has an open portico supported by four massive pillars. The sanctum faces a particular direction that seems to have been made with a particular Nakshatra in mind. Though the temple is named Kankali Temple, Lord Vishnu is prominent here. In the sanctum, besides Chamunda Devi an image of Sheshashai Vishnu can be seen. Outside is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative posture with Sheshnag over His head. A Mandapa (Hall) is also a part of the Kankali Temple. The temple has a spire known as Amalaka which was common during the Gupta period. The walls and pillars are beautifully decorated with sculptures of lions, trees, and flowers. The temple door frames have intricate carvings of Maa Ganga riding Her mount – a crocodile,  Mata Yamuna riding on a tortoise.

The outer walls of the temple depict the Varaha Avatar and themes from Shaivism. On a wall opposite the Kankali mandir is a depiction of Kali Mata. The amazing fact of this temple is that it is equally dedicated to Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Another remarkable feature of the Kankali temple is that it is almost identical to another free-standing temple in Sanchi. This tells us there was a close link between Hindus and Buddhists in the 5th century.

Kankali Temple Timings

The temple is open all 24 hours.

How to Reach Kankali Temple

The nearest Railway Station is Katni, about 47 km from the temple.

Jabalpur Railway Station is about 75 km from the temple.

The nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport, about 82 km from the temple.