Images of India - 164

A glimpse of heritage monuments of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Chaturbhuj Temple at Orchha

Images of India - 35

A glimpse of heritage monuments of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Jehanghir Palace courtyard at Orchha

Royal Cenotaphs of Orchha

In Orchha there are around fourteen cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century along the Kanchana Ghat of the Betwa river.

They are the tombs erected for rulers of Bundelkhand in their memory. We have already seen them in earlier posts( 1, 2). Here are some more images of these magnificent structures.

Murals of Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan Temple of 1622 is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place.

The inner portion of the temple in the ceilings are adorned with murals, where the themes are based on Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana, and the poet, Tulsidas’, Ram Charitra Manas. In the painting above among other things one can see Lord Krishna with Radha.

The vivacious colors of the frescoes are still retained. In the painting above there are various animals like men on elephants and horses. There are also peacocks at the corners.

Laxminarayan Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Laxminarayan temple is one of the most important tourist attraction of the place. Though the temple is dedicated the Goddess Laxmi, there is no idol of the Goddess in the temple.

This beautiful temple was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo. The condition of the temple soon worsened due to inadequate maintenance. It was reconstructed by Prithvi Singh during 1793. Built using lime mortar and bricks, the architecture of temple exceptional blend of temple and fort architecture. The temple has a rectangular plan with four multi-faced projecting bastions at its four corners. There are mural paintings on the interior walls of the temple.

The carvings on the central dome are exquisite as can be seen in the above image. The pillars on the corners are ornate with carvings. There is a statue of Lord Ganesh on this structure.

Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the 17th century Dinman Hardaul's Palace is a symbol of the respect and love between brothers. The splendid edifice of Palace represents the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the ancient times.

According to a historical legend, Dinman Hardaul's Palace was constructed in honor of the prince Hardaul who sacrificed his life for his elder brother Jhujhar. The elder brother had suspected that his younger brother was romantically involved with his long time companion and friend. Due to this prince Hardaul decided end his life to show his virtuous nature to Jhujhar.

Phool Bagh and Wind Towers, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Phool Bagh is a beautiful garden of the royal rulers of the Bundelkhand dynasty. Surrounded by colorful and attractive flower beds in those days, Phool Bagh was the summer palace of the rulers of Orchha.

The shot below was taken from the Charurbhuj Temple. On the left is Ram Raja Temple and in the extreme right the two towers are Wind Towers. In the center is Phool Bagh Palace.

Next to Phool Bagh palace, are the cooling towers which caught the prevailing wind. The huge towers would capture the hot winds and produce a cooling effect over the entire area.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) apart from palaces other attractions are temples in the city. One of the major attraction in the city is Chaturbhuj Temple, built between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar.

Built upon a massive stone platform and it is reached by a steep flight of steps. This is a huge temple that has plenty of light and space inside. The temple has a huge cross-shaped congregation hall that caters to devotees. Conical spires crown the sanctuary of the spacious temple. The temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that queen got from Ayodha. But this could not happen and the image of Rama remained in the Ram Raja Temple forever.

Lotus emblems and other symbols provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. The doorway is crafted beautifully.

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.

Chhatris of Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere.

Here the Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. The architecture has elements of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture in them.

The royal chattris are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. One can see series of rows of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires inside a compound on the banks of Betwa river.

Orchha Cenotaphs

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere.

Here the Chhatris of Bundela dynasty kings are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. But this unusual cenotaph different in design from rest of the royal cenotaphs caught my attention.

Murals of Raj Mahal, Orchha - 1

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. When compared to plain exterior of the Raj Mahal, the paintings on the interiors are extraordinary.

These are the paintings in the Queen's room. The ceilings and walls are painted beautifully.

These paintings depict scenes from various Indian epics.

Raj Mahal, Orchaa

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. Work on the Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap, and is completed by his predecessor Madhukar Shah one of the most prominent rulers of Orchha.

The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches arranged in floral patterns and carved out in lime mortar.

It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone lattice work. The palace is in the shape of a perfect square that is further divided into two courtyards. The main courtyard is flanked by the palace which has a four-story building at one end of it. The other three sides have five-story apartments.

It has raised balconies and interlocking walkways rise in symmetrical tiers on all four sides, crowned by domed pavilions and turrets.

Jehanghir Palace, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a three storied most impressive palace, which is a fine example of of Indo-Islamic architecture. The harmony in the construction of palace can be seen in hanging balconies, topped domes and lovely onion shaped domes around the central courtyard.

This palace is more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west. In the other direction one can see a sea of treetops and ruined temples.

Jehanghir Mahal, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a magnificent structure and grandest of all palaces in Orchha. This was built by then King Bir Singh Deo between 1605 and 1627 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahanghir to Orchha. It is a three storied building, which is a fine example of of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The main entrance of the palace is east-facing facade, which is covered with turquoise tiles. The arrival of Raja was announced by the ringing of bells of the beautiful stone elephants that guards the stairway.

cont ...

Rai Praveen Mahal, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.

One of such palace is Rai Praveen Mahal. This palace was built in honor of the ‘Nightingale of Orchha’, Rai Praveen. As per the legend when she had been to Emperor Akbar's court, she was lured by him to stay back in his court by denouncing her King of Orchha. But she returned back to Orchha without accepting the Emperor's offer.

Built in 1618 using circa by then Maharaja Indrajit Singh is a three-storeyed palace. The second floor is decorated with the poses and postures of Indian dance. A octagonal shaped lush garden, with shrubs and flowerbeds developed in many artistic shapes, surrounds the palace.

In the landscape beyond the palace various small temples and Betwa river can be seen.

Orchha Fort Complex

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The fort complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times.


The complex has 3 palaces:

Raj Mahal - Bundela kings residential palace. a massive square building of which the exterior is almost absolutely plain.

Jehangir Mahal - a square building, but far more ornate, a singularly beautiful specimen of Hindu domestic architecture.

Rai Praveen Mahal - built in memory of the famous poetess and musician, Rai Parveen, the beautiful courtesan of Raja Indramani.

Orchha, the Hidden Place

From Jhansi we traveled to Orchha in Mahya Pradesh which is at a distance of 18 kms. I had read about this place a bit in various travel magazines. And whatever little I knew kept me interested in this place. Once in this place, I was more than happy on my decision of touring this place.

Enclosed by woody forest, Orchha is a historical city that exhibits the rich heritage of medieval times. In the 16th and 17th century this was the capital of Bundela kings. On the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha reflects the glory of the mighty Bundelas. An artificial island with the meaning a ‘hidden place’ Orchha, lives up to its name.

The splendor of ancient times can be seen in the graceful monuments.They showcase unique and exclusive architectural legacy. The fort, exotic palaces, beautifully carved temples, spectacular mural paintings and frescoes on the walls of temples and the palaces keep the viewers spellbound.

Some of the places that we shall explore in some detail are:

• Orchha Fort Complex
• Jehangir Mahal (1, 2)
• Raj Mahal (1, 2)
• Rai Praveen Mahal
• Chaturbhuj Temple
• Ram Raja Temple
• Laxmi Narayan Temple (1, 2)
• Dinman Hardul's Palace
• Phool Bagh Palace
• Wind Towers
• Royal Cenotaphs (1, 2, 3)