Shiv Mandir, also known as Turturiya Dham or Turridham, is located near the Baloda Bazar district of Chhattisgarh. The temple is nestled in a serene forest area and lies on the banks of a stream locally known as Sursuri Ganga, which flows year-round and is believed to be sacred.
The main deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva, enshrined as a naturally bathed Shiva Linga. The linga is installed at a lower level inside the sanctum and is continuously bathed by natural spring water, making it unique. The water flows through a cow-mouth-shaped outlet (gomukh) and falls on the linga, performing an eternal abhishekam. There are also shrines for Lord Ganesha and Nandi, facing Lord Shiva.
The temple, partially in ruins but still revered, follows ancient stone architecture. It consists of a mandapa (pillared hall), steps leading down to the sanctum, and a platform with carvings of various deities. The architectural style reflects Gupta-era and post-Gupta influences, with artistic remnants scattered across the site, including statues of Vishnu, Devi, and Buddhist symbols. The temple area also has rock-cut sculptures, bathing ghats, and broken pillars with inscriptions, all of which point to its historical richness.
Turturiya is an archaeologically and spiritually significant site dating from the 6th to 8th centuries CE. It is believed to have been a place of meditation for sages and a center of Shaivite and Buddhist coexistence.
The Sthalapurana of Turturiya Dham is deeply rooted in the ancient epic of the Ramayana and holds great spiritual importance in Chhattisgarh.
Long ago, this peaceful forest area was known as Dandakaranya, a sacred region where many sages performed penance. According to local belief and epic tradition, this was the place where Sage Valmiki had his ashram. After being exiled by Lord Rama, Sita Devi came to this forest and took shelter at Valmiki’s hermitage. It was here that she gave birth to the divine twins, Lava and Kusha.
The twins were raised in this very forest, under the guidance of Sage Valmiki. They were taught the scriptures, archery, and values of dharma. The sounds of the forest, the flowing waters, and the spiritual vibrations of the sage’s presence nurtured the twins into noble warriors. The stream that flows continuously in Turturiya is called Sursuri Ganga, and it is believed that it was formed by the grace of the gods to serve as a sacred water source for Sita and her children.
In this serene setting, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a self-manifested (swayambhu) Shiva Linga, deep inside the earth, receiving eternal abhishekam (ritual bathing) from the spring water. This mystical water emerges naturally from a gomukh (cow-faced spout) and has no known source—geologists have failed to trace where it begins, and yet it flows without stopping. This is seen as a divine miracle.
The name Turturiya is derived from the gurgling sound (tur-tur) made by this flowing spring water, reinforcing the belief in its sacredness. This natural abhishekam, coupled with the Ramayana connection, gives the temple its unparalleled holiness. Over centuries, sages, villagers, and pilgrims have revered the place not only as a Shiva Kshetra but also as a Ramayana Tirtha—a divine site associated with Lord Rama’s family.
Another remarkable tradition at this temple is the role of female priests in performing puja—a rare and powerful testimony to the inclusive spiritual traditions of the region.
The temple becomes very vibrant during Maha Shivratri, when thousands of devotees gather to worship Lord Shiva and attend a 3-day fair organized by local communities. Another important festival is held during Paush Purnima (full moon), when special rituals like the head-shaving of young boys are performed near the temple. Devotees take a holy dip in the Sursuri Ganga and offer prayers to Shiva for blessings and prosperity.
