Orchha, District Niwari, M.P.

Yesterday on 5th Nov 21,  noon at 12 we leaved Khajuraho and headed towards Orchha.  Reached Orchha at 4 PM checked in Monarch Rama Palace. After putting luggage and fresh n up we went to see sunset at Betwa River by auto Rs.80/- . We observed a magnificent sunset from the bridge of the river.  Bridge is so narrow that at a time only one vehicle - four wheeler can pass.  Then we went to visit Shri Ram Raja Temple by auto Rs.40/-. - The beautiful Ram temple has an intriguing history behind it. The Idol which were supposed to be installed in the magnificent Chaturbhuj Temple were kept on the ground where this temple now stands. But once kept on the ground, the idols could not be budged. This marked the place holy and a temple was constructed where the idols were kept. The temple is guarded by a police force and the deity, Lord Rama, is considered as the king and is given a gun salute of honour every day in morning and evening.  Ram Raja Temple has a serene architecture, Temple opens for darshan at 7 PM.  When we entered temple a huge crowd was there.  People were dancing with the bunch of peacock feathers in their hands. As we don't have daring to be a part of crowd, we just stood aside and watched the people dancing.  After one hour when crowd became less we went in queue for darshan. In just 15 minutes we had darshan of RamRaja, Sita and Laxman.  After darshan of this divine place, felt blessed. There are Garud, Hanuman, Shiv temples inside the premises. We donated Rs.60/- only and they gave us prasad of Laddus with pan (bida).  Then we back to our stay. This is the only place in India where Lord Rama is honoured as King (Raja) and not as a god. 

Next day on 6th November 21 morning at 11 we went to Chaturbhuj Temple.
Chaturbhuj Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built in 875 AD during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. The name literally means the one with four arms, and Lord Vishnu has been referred as Chaturbhuj. This temple has beautiful architecture and it consists of a sanctum with pancharatha Sikhara, a vestibule and a porch. This temple has another curved tower with a small porch. The temple has a complex multi-storied structural view which is a blend of temple, fort and palace. The temple was originally built to place an idol of Rama, as the chief deity, but later which was installed in the Rama Raja Temple. At present an image of Radha Krishna is worshiped in the temple. The temple is noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples standing at 344 feet.  Then we had lunch at Laxmi Betva Tarang, a rooftop vegetarian hotel and went to Orchha Fort. The Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple. The fort and other structures within it were built by the Bundela Rajputs in 16th and 17th centuries. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. The battlements of the fort have ornamentation. The Raja Mahal has several secret passages. Its exterior is simple and unembellished, but the interior chambers of the palace are decorated with murals of social and religious themes of gods, mythical animals and people. Sheesh Mahal has now been converted into a hotel with suites on the upper floor. There is also a large hall with high ceiling, which is the dining hall. Jahangir Mahal is a palace that was exclusively built for Mugal emperor Jahangir, who was a guest of the Maharaja for one night only. The palace is built in four levels with architectural features of both Muslim and Rajput architecture. Entry ticket for Fort is Rs.10/- only.  For visiting fort one need at least two hours time. Then we went to visit
Chattris (cenotaphs) Situated on the banks of Betwa river, Chattris is a set of magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. As it is Diwali all chattris were enlightened and it was really a treat for our eyes. Then we back to Monarch Rama Palace.  Other attractions in Orchha are Rafting and boating in river Betwa, Fulbag, Rani Mahal, Nature trail, LaxmiNarayan Temple, Dauji ki haveli, sunder Mahal etc.