HC takes suo motu note of TOI report onBhatala temple, prehistoric sites’ neglect

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a January 4 TOI report highlighting the neglect of historic Bhonda Mahadev temple at Bhatala village and the destruction of prehistoric archaeological sites in Warora taluka of Chandrapur district.A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode directed that a PIL be registered to examine the temple's preservation and the wider archaeological landscape. The court also appointed veteran lawyer Bhanudas Kulkarni as amicus curiae, before adjourning the hearing until March 23.
The Bhonda Mahadev temple at Bhatala is believed to date back to the 8th or 9th century during the Rashtrakuta period. Constructed from yellow sandstone, the two-storey structure rises about 50-60 feet and comprises a mandap and sanctum. Inside the sanctum is one of the largest Shiva lingas in Vidarbha region, carved from a single block of black stone measuring nearly 10 feet in length and rising about 4 feet from the ground.The temple is locally known as Bhonda Mahadev because it lacks a traditional spire. Scholars say the origin of the massive black stone used for the linga remains unclear, as such stone is not found in the surrounding area.Historical evidence indicates that the Rashtrakutas had a strong presence in the region around ancient Bhadrawati, also known as Bhandak, and historians believe the temple was likely built by Rashtrakuta rulers or their feudatories (those who hold land under the conditions of feudal system), and were known followers of Shaivism. The temple attracts devotees during three-day fair held during Maha Shivaratri festival.The court also noted media reports on the destruction of prehistoric sites at Bhatala and nearby Mowad village, which preserve evidence of human habitation from the Palaeolithic period.Research conducted by Nagpur University's dept of ancient indian history, culture and archaeology documented Acheulian stone tools such as axes, cleavers, scrapers and picks in the region. Experts attribute the damage to unregulated stone extraction, natural erosion, and the absence of conservation measures.