Monday, June 28, 2010

Ram Raja Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the architecture of the 16th century temple with its soaring spires is very different from any other temple in India. It is also the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King.

This temple was originally the queen's palace of the Bundela King Madhukar Shah. There is a legend associated with it. The queen being an devotee of Lord Rama had got an idol of Rama from Ayodha to be kept in a newly built temple. She was told that, once the idol is kept down for the first time in Orchha, it can not be later moved out.

It so happened that, when queen arrived in Orchha, the new temple the Chaturbhuj Temple built for the Lord Rama was not still ready. Due to this the idol was placed in Queen's palace for the day. But, later it could not be relocated from this place. Because of this the palace was converted into a temple.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lucky Queen
Lucky Devotees
A palace turned temple - Wow.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Truly, your space is so very informative of the many wonders that lie in this great nation!

Indrani said...

Interesting story, great pic too.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

So impressive and beautiful. I like it. Have a great new week ahead!

Sudhir R said...

Lord Rama worshipped as a King, Thats Intersting. Wondering what time of the day did you shoot this. Looks a grand image

Unknown said...

That's a nice piece of history you got there. I also liked the wide angle compositions of the temple in the previous posts..Thomas

Sylvia K said...

Another lovely photo and fascinating history! Always look forward to your posts, Rajesh! Have a great week!

Sylvia

Carver said...

Very interesting post and shots.

Roberto Machado Alves said...

Very interesting photos. Internet give us the possibility of knowing many cultures. I'm a brazilian photographer and it's loveable to know your culture.

Regards.

Roberto

Roberto Machado Alves said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I did other blog for the city, Rio de Janeiro, where I live and was born.
http://riodejaneiropictures.blogspot.com

Regards

Anonymous said...

Fascinating glimpse into history and another culture. I learn so much about your world from your blog - thanks for sharing.

SandyCarlson said...

How things change! What a neat post. Thanks.

Regina said...

Exquisite architecture.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Rajesh: That is an interesting story from a neat place in your world.

LadyFi said...

Fascinating history of a magnificent place!

Joe Todd said...

You always have such interesting photos and stories

joshi daniel said...

very informative!

Inday said...

Somethings happen for a reason indeed!

Great architecture. You're one gifted people on earth Mate!

Jeevan said...

Interesting account behind the temple! well captured.

Bhushavali said...

Our Indian lores and legends are so awesome!!! This one is no exception!!!

Choolanur Peafowl Sanctuary
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George said...

Thanks for sharing this interesting legend about the palace becoming a temple. The building is very impressive.

Glennis said...

Another very impressive Temple with great history.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Do you know how many of these magnificent buildings are, and how much to up keep them?

Eden said...

What a great temple! Very nice architecture.

Tammie Lee said...

the light shows a warm day, lovely.

Lowell said...

Beautiful. Love the story of the immoveable idol!

Unknown said...

The entrance looks amazing! The man in the middle is he a Sadhu?

myonlyphoto said...

Thanks for sharing your story!
Anna :)

Rajesh said...

Hobo, Rakesh, Indrani, Phivos, Mama, Thomas, Sylvia, Carver, Sandy, Regina, Fishing Guy, LadyFi: Thanks for the appreciation.

Sudhir: Thanks, I think I had taken this image in the morning around 10:00 a.m.

Deepak, Joe, Joshi, Bonnie, Jeevan, Bhushavali, George, Glennis, Eden, Lee, Jacob, JM, Anna: Thanks for the appreciation.

Roberto, Wren: Thanks. Yes internet does help to understand different cultures.

Ann: Thanks, I am not aware how many of these beautiful structures across the country. But I assure you they are in plenty.

EG CameraGirl said...

Fascinating story!

Arija said...

I delight in buildings with an interesting history and what a difference a day makes.Great stark shadows and light play in that strong light.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful and as always I love the little history lessons. The shadows on the plaza look like lace.

A Wild Thing said...

I can only dream of living near such ancient relics and with so much historical relevancy to their structures.

Sarah said...

What a beautiful building and interestign tale too!

just jody said...

amazing architecture...thanks for sharing the history.

Patti said...

Such beautiful architecture.

Thanks for sharing the legend associated with the palace.

And thanks for stopping by, Rajesh!

lina@home sweet home said...

Great historical place...

MaR said...

Beautiful architecture and interesting post!!


My Monday

RNSANE said...

This is a beautiful temple, befitting Rama. I am sure the Queen was able to find another place to live, Rajesh.

Marites said...

A palace turned into a temple? Amazing! its interiors must be really beautiful judging from its beautiful architecture outside.

Tussy said...

Generally in Thailand temple and palace are in same place, very similar idea.

Beautiful work.

My Bangkok Through My Eyes

Kim, USA said...

It's beautiful, temples always mesmerize me and stir my interest. Happy Monday!

Turtles and frogs

Joanne Olivieri said...

A beautiful temple with wonderful architecture. Well captured.

Dani said...

interesting post and nice shot

Have a nice Monday!

Liz said...

Beautiful capture of the temple.

Happy MYM.

Liz @ MLC

Life Moto said...

thank you for sharing this nice story.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

http://itistimetothinkformyself.blogspot.com/2010/07/jingles-july-follower-awards-happy-4th.html

pick 2 to 5 to accept...
love your posts.

Rajesh said...

EG Wow, Arija, Sallie, Repose, Srah, Jody, Patti, Lina, Mar, RNSANE, Marites, CafebyJW, Kim, Poetic, Dani, Liz, Life, Jingle: Thanks for the appreciation.

Mohan said...

Isnsn't that pic a bit over exposed with white?

Nalini Hebbar said...

The story behind the photo...Loved it!

Dr. Pratibha Singh said...

great informative post.

flawsophy said...

wow .. how come you get to travel so much .. once again ... gr8 work ....

lakshmi rajan said...

Interesting temple origin story!

arpana said...

Nice story with complementary pic!

pramod said...

nice one,

Shrinidhi Hande said...

have u been to any places in Khandwa district in MP?

Rajesh said...

flasophy: Thanks, I love travelling. After the back problem, I have not traveled not much in recent days.

Nalini, Pratibha, Lakshmi, Arpana, Pramod: Thanks for the appreciation.

Mohan: Thanks. Yes, you are very right.

Shrinidhi: No, I have not been to any of the places in Khandwa district.

S.. Diva said...

read about Orchha for the first time in Chai Chai. Guess its totally worth planning a visit myself

Rajesh said...

Thanks, it is a nice place. Definitely worth a visit.

rahul tiwari said...

i like a orcha visit to much and i not explain it.