Chhatris of Orchha

      

Orchha, the capital of the mighty Bundela Rajput kings, spells history almost in every part of the city. The monuments here retain the historic touch to give tourists an insight into its rich past. The location of the city in itself is picturesque with hills and lush greenery around making it picture perfect.

         In Orchha, Chhatris 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 Chhatris constructed besides River Betwa reflect the amazing architectural skills of the craftsman.

Chhatris of Orchha

         Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. Chhatris are commonly used to depict the elements of pride and honor in the Jat, Maratha and Rajput architecture. They are widely used, in palaces, in forts, or to demarcate funerary sites. Originating in Rajasthani architecture where they were memorials for kings and royalty, they were later adapted as a standard feature in all buildings in Maratha ruled states, Rajasthan, and most importantly in Mughal architecture. They are today seen on its finest monuments, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Chhatris are basic element of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The term "chhatri"  means umbrella or canopy.

Chaturbhuj Temple of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha in Madhya Pradesh attracts thousands of visitors every year because of its beautiful architectural style. The exterior walls of the Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha is designed with various religious symbols while the interiors are plain and simple that offers you the divine solace. The congregation hall where the devotees gather to offer prayers are criss-cross in shape. Spires have been built above the sanctuary of the Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha at Madhya Pradesh.

Chaturbhuj Temple view fron Raj Mahal's Window

Chaturbhuj Temple of Madhya Pradesh is the finest venue for one to go and seek the divine solace. The environment of the temple is very peaceful and calm. The temple is spacious enough to accommodate a large crowd and is lighted throughout the day with the sunlight. It is also said that Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha resembles a lot to the Kushak Mahal in Chanderi.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Side view

The original story behind the name of Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha is that when Lord Rama's idol which was at the Rani Niwas, the private residence of Maharani Gansh Kunwar who was the wife of Raja Madhukar, rejected to move to the temple, an idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms was kept in the temple and this is how the temple came to be known as Chaturbhuj Temple.

Chaturbhuj Temple,Front view

 

Chaturbhuj Temple, inner view