Impressive Monuments of Orchha
Orchha, sometimes spelt as ‘Orcha' or ‘Urcha' is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh State in India. This town has a plethora of surprises for both pilgrims and the tourists alike. Having a distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in central India, Orcha has numerous monuments depicting Bundela architecture, serving as a treat to history buffs.
While you enter Orcha, you will encounter ‘Shaheed Smarak' built in memorial of ‘Chandrashekar Azad' a great freedom fighter of India who lived in Orcha during 1926-27. Other sightseeing spots are the famed Ram Raja Temple which is situated at the heart of the town. The shrine complex with soaring spires and palatial art honours Lord Rama as the king along with idols of Sita and Lakshmana. What is unique about this temple is the ‘Lord Rama' worshiped as a king. The entrance of the main shrine is adorned with silver carvings of Lord Ganesha and the Sun God. The courtyard has the palace of Dinman Hardaul, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, as well as a tiny temple dedicated to Hardaul.
The Orcha Fort is the main attraction which has spectacular palaces – the Raja Mahal, Raja Praveen Mahal and Jehangir Mahal which is built on an open quadrangle. The palaces here stand out from the others for having fortress-like walls. The doorway of Raja Mahal displays fine stuccowork and stone carvings. The interiors of the palace come alive with vibrant, colourful murals that are based on religious themes. Now, part of the palace is now been transformed into a ‘Heritage Interpretation Centre'.
Do not not miss the Bundela Art Gallery which showcases the images of Garuda ‘Eagle' dating back to 14th century. There are also images of Durga, the horse Ashwamedha and Lord Ganesha of the 17th century in the gallery. The sculpture gallery of Jehangir Mahal contains the inscriptions of the Sati pillars of Orchha. The palace was built to mark the victory of ‘Emperor Jehangir.'
Also interesting is the prominent cenotaphs of Orchha on the river banks. The cenotaph of Jaswant Singh, who ruled the town from 1675 AD to 1684 AD is of prominent importance. The sanctum sanctorum, encompassed with the rectangular passage with arched doors, decorated shikars and the inverted lotus on the top of the domes are common features of Bundela architecture.
Another greatest attractions is the Chaturbhuj Temple, which is situated right opposite to the Raja Mahal. Dedicated to the four-armed deity, Chaturbhuj (literally means four armed), the temple has plenty of light and space inside, a feature unusual for Hindu temple.
The Chaturbhuj temple, constructed between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar, the Chaturbhuj Temple is a bold concept and as enormous as any European cathedral.
Do not miss the Lakshmi Temple, Built on an elevated and rectangular foundation; the shrine had been the brainchild of Raja Veer Singh Deo in 1622 AD. The shrine comprises a brick structure in the form of a fortress and its interiors are richly adorned with paintings with depicts scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The shrine is one of the best examples of exquisite murals preserved till date.
For reference, do visit Bangalore Folks and find out information about more places in India.
While you enter Orcha, you will encounter ‘Shaheed Smarak' built in memorial of ‘Chandrashekar Azad' a great freedom fighter of India who lived in Orcha during 1926-27. Other sightseeing spots are the famed Ram Raja Temple which is situated at the heart of the town. The shrine complex with soaring spires and palatial art honours Lord Rama as the king along with idols of Sita and Lakshmana. What is unique about this temple is the ‘Lord Rama' worshiped as a king. The entrance of the main shrine is adorned with silver carvings of Lord Ganesha and the Sun God. The courtyard has the palace of Dinman Hardaul, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, as well as a tiny temple dedicated to Hardaul.
The Orcha Fort is the main attraction which has spectacular palaces – the Raja Mahal, Raja Praveen Mahal and Jehangir Mahal which is built on an open quadrangle. The palaces here stand out from the others for having fortress-like walls. The doorway of Raja Mahal displays fine stuccowork and stone carvings. The interiors of the palace come alive with vibrant, colourful murals that are based on religious themes. Now, part of the palace is now been transformed into a ‘Heritage Interpretation Centre'.
Do not not miss the Bundela Art Gallery which showcases the images of Garuda ‘Eagle' dating back to 14th century. There are also images of Durga, the horse Ashwamedha and Lord Ganesha of the 17th century in the gallery. The sculpture gallery of Jehangir Mahal contains the inscriptions of the Sati pillars of Orchha. The palace was built to mark the victory of ‘Emperor Jehangir.'
Also interesting is the prominent cenotaphs of Orchha on the river banks. The cenotaph of Jaswant Singh, who ruled the town from 1675 AD to 1684 AD is of prominent importance. The sanctum sanctorum, encompassed with the rectangular passage with arched doors, decorated shikars and the inverted lotus on the top of the domes are common features of Bundela architecture.
Another greatest attractions is the Chaturbhuj Temple, which is situated right opposite to the Raja Mahal. Dedicated to the four-armed deity, Chaturbhuj (literally means four armed), the temple has plenty of light and space inside, a feature unusual for Hindu temple.
The Chaturbhuj temple, constructed between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar, the Chaturbhuj Temple is a bold concept and as enormous as any European cathedral.
Do not miss the Lakshmi Temple, Built on an elevated and rectangular foundation; the shrine had been the brainchild of Raja Veer Singh Deo in 1622 AD. The shrine comprises a brick structure in the form of a fortress and its interiors are richly adorned with paintings with depicts scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The shrine is one of the best examples of exquisite murals preserved till date.
For reference, do visit Bangalore Folks and find out information about more places in India.
