Dholkal Ganesh Temple: A 1,000-Year-Old Shrine Where Devotees Trek 3–4 Hours to Seek Blessings

Nestled deep within the dense forests of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district lies the ancient Dholkal Ganesh Temple, a shrine unlike any other in India. Perched at an elevation of around 3,000 feet above sea level, this sacred temple of Lord Ganesha offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and adventure. To reach the temple, devotees must undertake a thrilling trek of nearly 7 kilometers, which typically takes 3–4 hours through rugged terrain, thick forests, and streams.

A Temple in the Heart of Nature

Unlike the grandly adorned Ganesha temples seen across Maharashtra and other parts of India during Ganesh Chaturthi, Dholkal stands out for its simplicity. Here, Lord Ganesha sits in the open sky, surrounded only by lush greenery and serene wilderness. The journey begins from Farsapal village, where pilgrims make their way through fragrant mogra-filled paths, giant anthills, tiny waterfalls, and the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to the Sun God and Mother Goddess. The temple’s natural setting makes the spiritual experience even more profound.

Tracing Back to the 11th Century

Historians believe that the idol of Lord Ganesha at Dholkal was established during the Nagvanshi dynasty in the 11th century. Unlike traditional depictions, this idol has a serpent carved across the torso, symbolizing the Nagvanshi lineage. Local tribes, particularly the Bhogami community, still consider themselves descendants of this dynasty and deeply revere the temple.

The statue itself is carved from a massive granite boulder shaped like a drum (“dhol” in Hindi), which gives the temple its name — Dholkal Ganesh. The idol depicts Lord Ganesha in “lalitasana” (a relaxed seated posture), symbolizing watchfulness over the Bastar forests.

Legends and Mythology

Local folklore adds a mythical layer to the temple’s charm. It is said that this was the very spot where Lord Ganesha encountered Parashurama, one of Lord Vishnu’s avatars. During their confrontation, Parashurama struck Ganesha with his axe, breaking one of his tusks. This event, according to legends, is why Lord Ganesha is also known as Ekdanta (the one with a single tusk). Even today, villagers point to a small shrine dedicated to Parashurama near the site, reinforcing the mythological connection.

A Watchful Guardian of Bastar

From its hilltop perch, the idol of Lord Ganesha seems to be guarding the entire Bastar region. The combination of history, tribal faith, and myth has made Dholkal a significant spiritual destination, drawing both devotees and trekkers eager to witness its mystique.

Best Time to Visit

Travel experts suggest visiting Dholkal Ganesh Temple between December and February, when the weather is pleasant and the trekking routes are safer. The nearest airports are Raipur and Visakhapatnam, both located about 400 kilometers from Dantewada, the district headquarters. From there, the temple is accessible by road and rail. Jagdalpur also has a small airport with flights connecting to Raipur and Visakhapatnam.

Regular train services run between Visakhapatnam and Dantewada, while buses operate from Raipur, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam, making the temple reasonably well-connected despite its remote location.

A Blend of Faith and Adventure

For those who seek not just devotion but also adventure, the Dholkal Ganesh Temple offers a rare opportunity. The challenging trek, coupled with the temple’s breathtaking natural setting and thousand-year-old history, makes the journey truly rewarding. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveler in search of hidden heritage, this temple remains one of Bastar’s most captivating spiritual treasures.