Madku Island:
The Chhattisgarh High Court is actively monitoring the development initiatives at Madku Dweep, a place of significant local importance.
- Madku Island is situated on the banks of the Shivnath River (longest tributary of the Mahanadi River), in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh.
- The name Madku stems from the fact that the island is in the shape of a frog.
- It has an area of around 24 hectares.
- Madku Island is popularly known as Kedar Tirth and Harihar Kshetra Kedar Dweep.
- Archaeologists have discovered prehistoric stone tools, epigraphs, and coins on this island.
- Stone inscriptions have also been found, which are believed to date back to the 3rd century BC.]
- One stone inscription was in Brahmi script and another in Shankha script.
- Madku Dweep is also home to several ancient and unique idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Shiv-Parvati, Nandi, and various other Gods.
- Archaeologists have successfully excavated 19 temples on Madku Dweep.
- Eighteen of these temples face east, whereas the middle temple is the only one that faces west.
- The architectural style of these temples, along with the sculptures and idols, is believed to be similar to that of the Great Kalchuris.
- Madku Island is also the place where an annual and important Christian fair has been hosted since 1909.
- The fair is organized in February, it is attended by Christians all across the Chhattisgarh state and beyond, and is locally known as Masihi Mela.
