Hin: दंतेवाड़ा dantevāḍā
‘Abode of Danteshwari’ – Town/District, Chhattisgarh
From Danteshwari, the local goddess, and Hin/Mar: vāṛā/wāḍā, ‘abode’, ‘place’, ‘settlement’
Dantewada is a town and district in the Bastar region.
It is known for its dense forests, tribal culture, natural resources and spiritual significance.
The town is home to the famous 14th century Danteshwari Temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, which attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the Bastar Dussehra festival. The region is marked by the confluence of the Shankhini and Dankini rivers.
The name Dantewada originates from Goddess Danteshwari, a form of Durga, who is worshipped as the presiding deity of the region. The Danteshwari Temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, is a major pilgrimage site. Traditionally, she is the patron deity of Bastar state.The temple marks the spot where the Skt: danta, ‘tooth’ fell when the Shakti shrines were created following the death of Sati, the mother goddess.
Another theory links the name to the local Dankini and Shankhini rivers, which converge near the town, though this is less commonly accepted.
The area was historically part of the Bastar kingdom, ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty before coming under the Marathas in the 18th century. Later, the British took control, integrating Bastar into the Central Provinces. The region has long been home to Muria and Maria Gond tribes (and many others), who maintain distinct cultural traditions.
In recent history, Dantewada has been affected by Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, making it a focal point of conflict in central India. Despite this, it remains an important spiritual and cultural center.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Chhattisgarh place names.
