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Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative writings.
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M.P. Tour : Chapter 6: Orchha
The construction of Chaturbhuj Temple was started by the famous Bundela Rajput King Madhukar Shah in 1574. The construction was delayed in 1578 due to invasion by Mughals on western part of Bundelkhand. Prince Horaldev lost his life in this war. Madhukar Shah built the temple for his wife, Rani Ganeshkuwari. Originally the temple was made for God Ram but due to delay in construction of the temple, it could not be done. So an idol of Lord Vishnu is enshrined here. The idols of Vishnu, Laxmi and Radha are in the second row, while that of Lord Krishna is in the front row.
The temple is located in Orchha town, just outside the limits of the Orchha Fort Complex, to the south of the Rama Raja Temple.
The architecture of the temple is exquisite. Architectural minds are sure to be inspired just by looking at the exterior of the temple. It is said that the particular site of the temple was decided upon by the king to enable him to see God from the balcony of his palace. The natural views from the top floor of the temple are amazing.
The Chaturbhuj temple from a distance looks like a tall pointed tower in the shape of pine cones. It is built on a platform of 4.5 metres (15 ft) height made up of black granite. The Garbha-gruh, Ardha-Mandap and the Mandap, all three, have shikhars of Nagara style. The overall height of the temple is 105 metres (344 ft). The layout of the temple is comparable to that of a basilica, but it has been planned to resemble the four arms of Vishnu for whom it was built.
It is said that the towers of the temple, when built, had been covered with gold plating which over the years has been stolen.
The interior has many halls, and the main hall or mandapa of the temple is built in the shape of a cross or cruciform and is stated to be a mix of Māru-Gurjara architecture, and it is at right angles to the vestibule, of identical layout on either side.
The temple is world famous for having one of the tallest vimana among Hindu temples standing at 344 feet.
Please note that you are required to climb many steps before you actually reach the temple. Climbing to the upper floors of the temple is not an easy task for senior citizens like me. However, I still did it and climbed the stairs, because I believe that 'age is just a number'. The steps are almost 2 feet tall and you have to pass through dark areas as well. You get a beautiful view of the inside of the temple from above. Also you get a panoramic view of adjoining Ram Raja temple and palace.
This temple is worth visiting.
OTHER MONUMENTS OF ORCHHA:
SHEESH MAHAL: It is flanked on either side by the Raja Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. This has royal accommodation, which was built for king Udait Singh. It has now been converted into a hotel. The interior of this palace consists of a huge impressive hall with a high ceiling which is the dining hall. Staying in two of its royal suites on the upper floor, which provide scenic views of the town, gives the guest a feeling of royalty.
Entry to Sheesh Mahal is not allowed for general tourists.
PHOOL BAUG: It is an elegantly laid out garden in the fort complex which has a line of water fountains that terminates in a "palace-pavilion" which has eight pillars.
Below this garden is an underground structure which was used by the royalty as a cool summer retreat. This cooling system consists of a water ventilation system that is linked to an underground palace with "Chandan Katora", which is in the shape of a bowl from where fountains of droplets trickle through the roof creating rainfall.
CHHATRIS: They were constructed in the past to glorify the contributions of the rulers of the mighty Bundelkhand dynasty. The Chhatris also are symbols of the rich cultural heritage and grandeur of the past. The 14 small and large Chhatris constructed beside River Betwa reflect the amazing architectural skills of the craftsman. We had seen beautiful illumination of Chatries at night on arrival.
LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE: It was constructed in 1662. The temple portrays the excellent creativity in the artisans of the past as the architectural style involved in the creation is a blend of temple and fort. The main deity is Goddess Laxmi. Exquisite paintings on walls and ceilings add value to the temple. Though beautifully constructed, the lack of maintenance resulted in the need to renovate the structure, which was taken upon by Prithvi Singh in 1793.
