Rajnandgaon

Rajnandgaon is the primary town of Rajnandgaon District, in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is located in central Chhattisgarh. Rajnandgaon was originally known as ‘Nandgram’ and it was also sometimes referred to as ‘Shanskardhani’. Rajnandgaon was ruled by many dynasties like the Somvanshis, Kalchuris and the Marathas. The palaces and forts here speak about its rulers, the society, the culture and tradition prevailing during that time. The city was also ruled by the ‘Mahants’ or Hindu caretakers and the ‘Gond Rajas’ or Chiefs. Successors were chosen by way of adoption. The Britishers in 1879 granted the right of adoption or ‘sanad’ to the then ruler and bestowed the ‘Raja’ title to the ruling Mahant.

The famous temple of Maa Bambleshwari situated on a hilltop of 1600 feet in the town of Dongargarh is one of the major tourist attractions in Rajnandgaon. This temple is referred as Badi Bambleshwari meaning big bambleshwari. Another temple at ground level is situated about 1/2 km from the bigger temple complex and is referred to as Chhoti Bambleshwari meaning small bambleshwari.