Orchha - a city in MP on the banks of River Betwa around 16 KM from the town of Jhansi in UP. Few years back, when the MP Tourism ad used to blare on TV ' MP ajab hai', for the first time I heard the name Orchha. Since then it was in my bucket list to visit.
Off late it has become a destination wedding place for people in MP and UP with sprawling Banquet halls and Royal palaces opened out for wedding on the banks of River Betwa.
Thus started our journey to Orchha. We took the Gatiman express from Nizamuddin Railway station, got down at Jhansi and took a cab to reach our Hotel accommodation at Orchha which was around a 30 min drive.
Orchha was ruled by the Bundelkhand kings and was established by Bundela king Rudra Pratap Singh who ruled between 1501 and 1534 CE. The area was under the control of Bundelas until it was captured by Aurangazeb in 1635.
Let the history be confined to books, there is lot to see in Orchha. Our first point was to visit the Chhatris on the Banks of River Betwa. Chhatri are semi-open, elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indo-Islamic architecture and Indian architecture. They are most commonly square, octagonal, and round. Originating as a canopy above tombs, they largely serve as decorative elements as opposed to functional elements.
During the evening hours the Chatris are illuminated giving it a beautiful look. If one sees the illuminated chatris from the other side of the River, the reflection on the Betwa river is seen to be believed.
Our next point of visit was the Orchha Fort. The fort complex, which is accessed from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway. This is followed by a large open yard surrounded by palaces. These are Raja Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Notable architectural features in the fort complex are projecting balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows.
In the evenings the ASI performs a Light and Sound show at the Orchha fort recalling the History and explaining the same clearly to the Public.
Our next point of visit was the Lakshmi Temple, which is said to have been built like an Owl. Its like its overlooking the whole town. Architecture of this temple is very unique having fortified walls and an owl's head on the top of the entrance, since its vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi. Its walls bear a unique style of painting. Its own kind of temple.
After Lakshmi temple, it was time to go to Raja Ram temple, where on a daily basis the MP Police performs Gun salute thrice a day during the Aarti period. There is a history behind the reason Ram is called King here in this city. Lots of story were told to us, one such was that the King and queen had an argument as to who was the best Ram or Krishna, King worshipped Krishna and Queen Ram. King challenged the queen to show Ram to him and queen went to Ayodhya and sat on Tapasya. Even after few days when Lord Ram didnt appear she wanted to commit suicide and Lord Ram appeared and gave her three conditions to go along with her to Orchha. "I will travel only in Pukh Nakshatra. When Pukh Nakshatra will end I will stop and resume only when Pukh Nakshatra sets in again. In this manner I will travel from Ayodhya to Orchha on foot along with a group of sages. Secondly, once I reach Orchha, I will be the King of Orchha and not your husband. Thirdly, (since the child form of Ram would travel in the queen’s lap), the first place you seat me will be my final place of stay and will be famous by the name of Ramraj." The Queen agreed and started her journey to Orchha with baby Ram in her lap. Since the queen travelled only in Pukh Nakshtra it took 8 months and 27 days for the queen to reach Orchha from Ayodhya on foot (between 1574 and 1575).
Thus the entire city treats Lord Rama as the King of the city and not as a god here.
There are lot many to see in and around Orchha including River rafting in the Betwa River. Evening Sunset view from the river or the sun going behind the Chattris is magnificent.
If anybody is planning a trip to Orchha, please do not miss Jhansi nearby, and if you have more time, please do visit Khajuraho as well which is just three hours away.
Happy travelling;
