Malhar is a place of archeological importance in
Bilaspur District of
Chhattisgarh. It is 40 km from
Bilaspur.
Formerly known as Saravpur, Malhar was a major Buddhist center in ancient times and here existed a big institute for teaching Buddhism. A big statue of Buddha, among many others, was unearthed from here.
Malhar enshrines the temples of the 10th and 11th centuries. Pataleshwar Temple, Devri Temple and Dindeshwari Temple are the major shrines. One of the temples has a four handed idol of Lord Vishnu. Points of interest also include a museum with a good number of ancient sculptures.
Among the surrounding places are Bartori to the west, Masturi to the north, Mulmula to the east and Loharsi to the south. Raipur Airport, 96 km away, is the nearest airport. Bilaspur Junction Railway Station is the nearest major railhead.
