Tigawa or Tigawan is a beautiful tourist destination near the city of Katni. It is a famous significant historical and archaeological site in Madhya Pradesh. This place is famous for its ancient temples, especially the famous Kankali Devi Temple, which is considered one of the oldest temples in central India.
This temple is historic, and currently people visit this temple to worship the deities. It is situated near the Katni district, about 55 kilometers away from the city of Katni. The temple is very beautiful, and numerous ancient artifacts and ruins lie scattered across the ground in its vicinity.
Tigwan is an important destination for history lovers, archaeologists, and travelers interested in ancient Indian architecture.
In this article, you will find complete information about Tigawa including its history, temples, architecture, how to reach, and best time to visit.
Location of Kankali Devi Temple (Tigawa)
Kankali Devi Temple (Tigawa) is situated near the district of Katni, about 55 kilometers away from the main district headquarters. You can easily reach this location using your own vehicle or public transportation. The temple is located in a village named ‘Tigwa’.
It falls within the Bohriband region (Bohriband Tehsil) and is well-connected to neighboring towns via a good road network. The village of Tigwa is situated about 4 kilometers from Bohriband Tehsil and is linked by a well-maintained road.
Kankali Devi Temple Google Map location
How to Reach Kankali Devi Temple, Tigawa?
Kankali Devi Temple is situated in the village of Tigawa, within the Bahoriband Tehsil. You can easily reach this location by road. The site is located about 55 kilometers from the Katni district headquarters. You can travel here using either a private vehicle or public transportation. Buses and other modes of public transport are available to reach this temple.
This village is situated about 4 kilometers from the Bahoriband Tehsil, and the connecting road is in excellent condition. If you are traveling here from Katni or any other district, you can first reach the Bahoriband Tehsil. Various local public transport options are available at Bahoriband, which you can utilize to reach the temple.
The nearest railway station to Kankali Devi Temple is Sleemanabad Road Railway Station, located 30 kilometers away, and offers good connectivity for reaching the temple.
History of Tigwan
One of the oldest structures of the Gupta period in India. Tigawa is believed to have been an important religious and cultural center during the Gupta Empire (around 4th to 6th century CE). The Gupta period is often called the Golden Age of India because of developments in art, architecture, science, and literature.
The temples and ruins found in Tigawa belong to this period and show early Hindu temple architecture. Many historians and archaeologists have studied this site because it helps in understanding the development of temple architecture in India.
Amidst the ruins of Tigawa, a temple in a well-preserved state. It is a remarkably interesting temple that remains entirely intact. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, but it also holds immense significance from both architectural and archaeological perspectives.
The roof of this temple is flat. The temple dedcatied to Kakali devi, and inside the temple, there is a old idol of kanakli mata (Kali mata known kankali mata). It is a small shrine and serves as a fine exemplae of Gupta-period architecture, featuring a structure supported by decorative pillars.
Situated in front of the temple is a ‘Mukha Mandapa’ (entrance pavilion). Its pillars are adorned with ‘Ghat-Pallava’ motifs (depicting a pot and foliage) as well as ‘Chaitya-Gavakshas’ (arched window motifs) featuring human figures.
Carved upon the temple walls are images of the goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, along with a depiction of Lord Vishnu reclining upon Sheshnag. These carvings serve as an exquisite illustration of the artistic style characteristic of the Gupta era.
Stone carvings, pillars, temple platforms, and sculptures found here show the advanced architectural knowledge of that time.
Kankali Temple and Vishnu Temple Tigawa
Tigawa is located around 50 km from Katni and is known for ancient temple ruins and archaeological remains. The place is quiet and surrounded by rural landscape, fields, and small hills.
Tigawa is mainly famous for the Kankali Devi Temple, which dates back to the Gupta period. This makes Tigwan historically very important because Gupta period architecture is considered one of the golden periods of Indian art and architecture.
The most famous attraction of Tigawa is Kankali Devi Temple. This temple is believed to have been built during the Gupta period and is dedicated to Goddess Kankali Devi. The temple is built using large stone blocks and has simple but strong architecture.
On the occasions of Navaratri and other festivals, a large number of devotees flock to this temple to seek the blessings of Kankali devi. The temple complex features distinct architectural elements such as the Mandap (pavilion), and the Garbhagriha.
One can observe here that the temple was constructed with exceptional craftsmanship, and it remains in a remarkably good state of preservation today. Situated within the Kankali Devi Temple complex, this area is dotted with numerous ancient artifacts and relics scattered throughout offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the Gupta period.
Features of Kankali Devi Temple
- Ancient stone temple
- Temple with a flat roof
- Gupta period architecture
- Carved pillars
- Temple platform
- Stone sculptures
- Archaeological remains around temple
The temple structure is simple compared to modern temples, but it is historically very important because it represents early temple architecture in India.
Many parts of the original temple are now damaged, but the remaining structure still shows the beauty and strength of ancient construction.
Architecture of Tigawa Temples
The temples at Tigawa are built in early Old hindu temple style architecture. Important features include:
- Square temple platform
- Pillared mandapa (hall)
- Small sanctum (garbhagriha)
- Stone construction
- Minimal but elegant carvings
- Strong pillars and beams
These temples are different from later temples like Khajuraho because Gupta temples were simpler but architecturally very important as they were among the earliest structural temples in India.
Tigawa is therefore an important site for studying the evolution of Indian temple architecture.
Archaeological Importance
Tigawa is an important archaeological site and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Archaeologists have found many sculptures, pillars, temple remains, and stone carvings here.
These remains help historians understand the culture, religion, and architecture of the Gupta period. Because of its archaeological importance, Tigawa is an important heritage site in Madhya Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit Tigwan
The best time to visit the Tigawa Kankali Devi Temple is during the winter season, as this allows you to explore the entire temple complex up close. This is because the weather during this period is pleasant making it ideal for sightseeing and allows you to travel with ease and have a wonderful time.
- October to March – Pleasant weather
- July to September – Green surroundings
Avoid visiting in peak summer afternoon because the weather becomes very hot. Morning and evening are the best times to explore the temple site.
Places to Visit Near Tigwan
If you are visiting Tigawa, you can also visit nearby places:
- Rupnath Dham
- Bilhari
- Vijayraghavgarh Fort
- Jagriti Park
You can plan a historical and religious trip in Katni district covering these places.
Travel Tips
If you are planning to visit Tigwan, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Carry drinking water
- Respect historical structures
- Do not climb on temple ruins
- Maintain cleanliness
- Visit during daylight
- Good place for photography
- Ideal place for history lovers
Conclusion
Tigwan Katni is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Madhya Pradesh. The ancient Kankali Devi Temple and temple ruins from the Gupta period make this place very important for history and architecture. The peaceful environment and rural surroundings make it a great place for travelers who want to explore hidden historical places.
If you are visiting Katni or nearby areas, Tigwan is definitely a must-visit destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers interested in ancient India.