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Baleshwar Temple (Champawat)
The
exteriors of Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga temples are carved with the
different posters of the local deities. The stone carving work is
magnificent.
Baleshwar temples at Champawat has been declared as an Indian National
Heritage Monument and is looked after by Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) since 1952.
The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (who is also know
as Baleshwar). There are two other temples in the compound of Baleshwar,
one dedicated to Bhairov and other to Champa Devi. The temple is built
on South Indian Architecture with magnificent Stone Carving works. Close
to the Baleshwar Temple is a "Naula" (Fresh water resource) which has
now dried up. On the day of MahaShivRatri, a very crowded fair is held
in the Baleshwar Temple compound.
Baleshwar temples at Champawat have been declared as a National Heritage
Monument and are looked after by Archological Survey of India (ASI)
since 1952. As the Champawat city has grown up, many residiential
building has been built up in the close proximity of Baleshwar Temple
which may harm this national heritage. Is the ASI sleeping?
The urge to come back to them is irresistible in as much as they
exercise an impact on human psyche that beats all scientific logic.
Apart from this these temples are of great interest to a casual tourist
from the point of view of design, landscape around and several other
features unique to them.
The temple of Baleshwar is a clear pointer to the rich architectural and
ancient glory of the region.
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