Maa Kankali Devi Mandir, Shahdol (Madhya Pradesh)

The Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh is home to the ancient Maa Kankali Devi Mandir, located at Antara, approximately 10 kilometres from the district headquarters. This historically significant temple dates back to the Kalchuri period (10th–11th century CE) and was originally an important Shakti Peeth.

Over time, the original structure collapsed, and today only fragments of the temple and several sculptures remain at the site. Despite this, the mandir continues to hold immense religious and archaeological value.

The Garbh Griha houses the remarkable 18-armed sculpture of Chamunda Devi, along with idols of Sharda Devi and 8-armed Simha Vahini. The Chamunda Devi image stands upright and is distinguished by her Jata Mukuta, Munda Mala, slender torso, and prominently open eyes and mouth. Owing to her extremely thin physical form, the deity is worshipped as Kankali Devi. Sculptural elements depicting the Chanda–Munda demons, decorative Prabha-Mandal, and Yoginis near her feet are also visible. Each of her eighteen hands holds traditional attributes, with one hand in Varada Mudra and another holding a lotus.

Maa Kankali Devi Mandir, Main Vigrah or Murti

Additional sculptures found both inside and outside the temple complex also belong to the Kalchuri period, reflecting the refined stone craftsmanship of the era.

Within the temple premises are five smaller shrines, including a revered Shiva Mandir that houses twin Shivlings, which also date back to the Kalchuri era. These Shivlings attract a large number of devotees and add to the spiritual significance of the complex.

Today, Maa Kankali Devi Mandir stands not only as a place of worship but also as an important heritage site, offering valuable insight into the religious traditions and sculptural art of central India during the medieval period.