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Orchha Information
Location: In the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India
Main Tourist Attractions: Temples of Orchha, Phool Bagh,
the Chhattris, The Jehangir Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Khajuraho, Gwalior, Jhansi.
About Orchha
Located at a distance of 16 km from Jhansi, Orchha rises out of
the hills and the greens surrounding it. The historical monuments
of Orchha still retain their pristine charm and narrate stories
of war and peace, of love and destruction.
Orcha’s grandeur has been captured in stoneand frozen in time;
a rich legacy to the ages. On this medieval city, the hand of time
has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela
rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine
perfection. Orcha was founded in 16th century by the Bundela Rajput
chieftain Rudra Pratap who chose this stretch of land along Betwa
river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers,
the most notable was Raja Bir Singh who built the exquisite Jehangir
Mahal, a tiered palace crowned with graceful Chhatries. From here
you can have the spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.
We will see the Fort Complex in Orcha which houses three beautiful
palaces set in an open quadrangle. Jehangir Mahal built by Raja
Bir Singh in 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir.
Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate Chhatries and trellis
work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness. Raj
Mahal palace was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor
of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors are crowned by chhatries,
and give way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colorful,
on a variety of religious themes. The poetess and musician, Rai
Praveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76),
and was sent to Delhi on the orders of Emperor Akbar, who was captivated
by her. She so impressed the Emperor with her love for Indramani
that he sent her back to Orcha. The Rai Praveen Mahal palace built
for her is a low two storied brick structure, designed to match
the height of the trees in the surroundings. Beautifully landscaped
gardens of Anand Mahal, with the octagonal flower beds and elaborate
water supply system. Skillfully carved niches allow light into the
Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers.
Major Tourist Attraction:
Chaturbhuj Temple
Was built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight
of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image
of Ram which, however, remained in the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems
and symbols of religious importance provide the delicate exterior
ornamentation.
Ram Raja Mandir
A palace-turned-temple has a charming legend attached to it. King
Madhukar Shah brought an idol of  Lord
Rama from Ayodhya to his capital following the dream visitation
of God Ram to be installed later in a temple (now known as Chaturbhuj
Temple). When the idol proved impossible to move, the king recalled,
too late, the deity's edict that the image would remain in the place
where it was first installed. Today with its soaring spires and
palatial structure, the temple is surely one of the most unusual
in India. It is also the only temple in India where Ram is worshipped
as a king.
Phool Bagh
is laid out as a formal garden, testifying to the refined aesthetic qualities of Bundelas.
A central row of fountains culminates into an eight-pillared palace-pavilion. A subterranean
structure below used to be the summer retreat of Orcha Kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation
connected the underground palace with Chandan Katora a bowl like structure from
whose fountains droplets of water filtered through the roof, simulating rain-fall.
Dinman Hardaul's Palace
Hardaul was son of Bir Singh Ju Deo. He died to prove his innocence
to his elder brother Jhujhar, who cast doubts on his relationship
with his consort. This saintly prince, after his martyrdom was worshipped
as a God. Even today, the villages of Bundelkhand region contain
platform-like shrines where Hardaul is worshipped.
There are fourteen Cenotaphs or Chhatries to the rulers of Orcha,
across the Kanchana Ghats of river Betwa.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal. Bhopal is an important
domestic airport in central India, which is served by several airlines.
Regular flights connect Bhopal to key Indian cities like: Delhi,
Mumbai and so on.
Train : The nearest Railhead from Sanchi is also located
at Bhopal which is well to other parts of the country.
Road: Sanchi is located close to important cities in Madhya
Pradesh. A good network of roads connects Sanchi to Bhopal (46kms),
Vidisha (10kms).
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Orchha Travel Guide |
Attractions:
Temples of Orchha, Phool Bagh, the Chhattris, The Jehangir
Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal
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