What to See

Orchha's fort complex, the entrance of which is a multi-arched bridge, has three impressive palaces placed in an open quadrangle. The first of these is the Jehangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century, to mark the occasion of Emperor Jehangir's visit to the city. Fragile chhatries, and ornate trellis work heighten the effect of artistic richness. The Raj Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah, the religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. A trail through the network of stairways, leading to the turrets, is an amazing experience. The interiors boast of intricate murals, depicting various religious themes. The Rai Praveen Mahal was built for the famous musician-poetess paramour of King Indramani, Rai Praveen, as a mark of admiration by Emperor Akbar. This was the result of his being touched by the intense purity of her ardour for Indramani.

The Ram Raja temple is one of the famous temples in Orchha. This palace - turned - temple has an intriguing legend attached to it, according to which Lord Ram came in, the then ruler Madhukar Shah's dream, following which he brought a statue of the god, from Ayodhya to his capital. Prior to its installation in a temple, the idol was kept in a palace. Subsequently, the idol refused to move and the king recalled the god's edict, that the idol would remain in the place, where it was first placed. This temple is, therefore, the only one of its kind, where Ram is worshipped as a king. The Chaturbhuj temple was the original destination of the image, that went on to remain in the Ram Raja temple. Lotus emblems and other religious symbols dress the exterior of the temple, while the sanctum is starkly plain, which only serves to emphasize its sanctity. The Laxminarayan temple sports an interesting fusion of fort and temple architecture. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. These murals deal with a plethora of themes, specifically spiritual and secular. Though centuries have elapsed since their conception, the paintings have retained their original vibrant quality.

Orchha also prides itself on its lovely garden, Phool Bagh, which testifies to the fine aesthetic sensibility of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight - pillared palace -cum - pavilion. A subterranean structure, below, functioned as the pleasant summer hideout of the Orchha kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation linked the underground retreat with Chandan Katora, a bowl-shaped structure, from whose fountains, drops of water filtered through to the roof, giving the appearance of rainfall. There are 14 cenotaphs or chhatries to the rulers of Orchha, across the Kanchana Ghat of the Betwa river. The Shahid Smarak commemorates the great freedom fighter, Chandrashekhar Azad who lived and worked in hiding in Orchha, during 1926 and 1927. Other highlights of Orchha are the shrines of Siddh Baba ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore, the Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ohharedwara.

Orchha Home

City To Visit
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