Malhar is an ancient town of dakshin kaushal, which city is situated 40 km away from Bilaspur city of Chhattisgarh. Malhar had a sprawling empire, renowned as art and cultural hub of Dakshin Kaushal. Malhar was reigned by several kingdoms like Satvahana, Sarabhpuriya, Kalchuri and Marathas, which can be reflected in its architecture and artefacts . Malhar gained most prevalence due to its strategic route to Kaushambi because of which many Buddhist idols are found here.
Deur temple in Malhar is an splendid example of traditional architecture with lushy green gardens. Deur temple was constructed by Somvamshi kings in 7th to 8th century. The main attraction of the temple is Gomukhi shivling and two huge sculptures of Bhim and Khichak. During the time of excavation these two sculptures were excavated ,so villagers presumed them as the idols of Bhim and Khichak. Temple walls are articulated with intricate carvings and designs.
Patalsehwar temple is another important temple of Malhar. Historians consider that it was constructed by Kalchuri kings in 10th to 11th century. The temple is constructed at the high platform with the entrance adorned with exquisite idols of goddess Ganga and Yamuna. The grabh grih is steeped down where gomukhi shivling is found. In the compound of pataleshwar temple many ruins of idols are found which connotes to various kingdoms ruled in Malhar. The carvings and sculptures are the exquisite example of fine arts.
