Orcha, one of the ancient city
situated on the bank of Betwa. This place is famous for Raja Ram Temple and
various other historical monuments. Orcha was founded in 16th Century by the
Bundela Chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh. The main historical are the Jehangir
Mahal, Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Chaturbhuj
Temple. The various palaces and temples were built by its Bundela rulers in
the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Of the
succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh who built the
exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned with graceful Chhatries.
Chaturbhuj Temple
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
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. 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. It is also the only temple in India where Ram is
worshiped as a king.
Laxminarayan Temple
A flagstone path links the Laxminarayan Temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The
style here is a mix of fort and temple architecture. The interiors contain
the most exquisite of Orcha's Wall Paintings. On the walls and ceilings of
three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of
spiritual and secular subjects.
