Battisa Temple

Battisa Temple is an 11th-century Hindu temple located in Barsur town on the banks of the Indravati River in Dantewada District, Chhattisgarh. Named for its 32 pillars (battis), it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features two sanctums. Built during the Nagvanshi dynasty, it is noted for its stone architecture, carved pillars and historical importance as part of Barsur's group of ancient temples.

Visitors can expect an open-air ancient stone temple with 32 elaborately carved pillars supporting a mandapa and two small garbhagrihas housing Shiva lingas. The temple stands in a quiet, semi-rural setting near the Indravati River with minimal modern construction around it. The structure is roofless in parts and showcases 11th-century stone craftsmanship, carvings on pillars and doorframes, and a simple courtyard where visitors can walk around, observe architecture and take photographs.

Battisa Temple was built in the 11th century CE during the reign of the Nagvanshi rulers of Barsur, who made Barsur their capital. It is one of several ancient temples in Barsur, including Mama Bhanja Temple and Chandraditya Temple, reflecting the region's importance as a Shaivite centre. The temple's 32-pillar mandapa and twin-shrine plan are characteristic of the period's stone temple architecture in central India.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage, especially for Shaivite devotees. It is part of the Barsur group of temples revered locally and visited during festivals such as Maha Shivratri. The site represents the religious and architectural heritage of Bastar region.