Tigawa Temple

Katni district, India

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

In Katni district, Madhya Pradesh, the village of Tigawa preserves an archaeological complex of approximately 36 Hindu temple ruins, among which the Kankali Devi Temple stands as the most significant. Dated to around 400–425 CE, this small but well-preserved sanctuary represents a Gupta period structure and ranks among the oldest surviving Hindu temples in India, exemplifying the formative phases of north Indian temple architecture. The temple comprises a sanctum with a flat roof and an open portico supported on four pillars; the portico's sides were later infilled with walls containing carved panels. Though its name suggests dedication to the goddess Kankali Devi, the temple was probably originally devoted to Vishnu, as evidenced by an image of Narasimha within the sanctum and depictions of Sheshashai Vishnu and Chamunda in the portico. A later relief of Vishnu in yoga asana adorns the front. The site suffered severe damage during the colonial era when a railway contractor demolished and excavated the ruins for building materials.

Movement

Hindu temple architecture

Type: Hindu temple
Place: Katni district, India

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Location

23.69069, 80.06656