About Archeological Wonder in MP - The Bhojpur Temple

Bhojpur Temple or Bhojeshwar Temple is also known as Somnath of the East, is known as the . The temple was never completed and the earthen ramp used to raise it to dome-level still stands. Had it been completed, it would have had very few rivals. As it is, even with the ravages of time, it remains one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 11th - 13th centuries.

Biggest Shivlinaga of India at Bhojpur Temple

The Shiv- lingam in the sanctum rises to an awe-inspiring height of 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet. Set upon a massive platform 21.5 feet square, and composed of three superimposed limestone blocks.

Bhojpur a Major Tourist Attraction near Bhopal

Bhojpur, the 11th century city is one of the tourist hotspots in Madhya Pradesh. The Betwa River flows beside the city and Temple and add that old world charm to Bhojpur tourism. The city is at only 28 kilometers distance from Bhopal the state capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Bhojpur Temple: Rates & Dates

Package Inclusion:

• 1 Nights Accomodation
• 1 Breakfast
• Ac vehicle for 2 days
• All siteseeing
• Toll Taxes + Parking
• All Taxes

Archeological Attractions in Bhojpur

King Bhoj's Royal Palace

On the low plateau above the Cave of P?rvat? and opposite the Bhojpur temple are the remains of Bhoja's palace. Only the foundations survive. The palace is a unique survival, being the only medieval building of its kind in northern India. Its association with Bhoja and its close conformity to a text ascribed to the king mark it out as a site of national and international cultural importance.

The site of the palace, like the neighbouring dams, is unprotected. The remains of the palace are being slowly destroyed as local people collect stones for modern building purposes.

Unfinished Jain temple at Bhojpur

Bhojpur also has an unfinished Jain temple containing a 6-meter-tall statue of Shantinath and two statues of Parshvanath (left) and Suparasnath (right). On the base of one of the images is an inscription mentioning king Bhoja, the only epigraphic evidence connecting Bhoja to the site.

Cave of Parvati

Immediately opposite the temple, on the west side of the gorge facing the Betwa river , is a rock-shelter or cave, now occupied by religious Sadhus. Popularly known as Parvati's Cave, the cave contains a number of sculptures and architectural fragments dating to the eleventh century.

Uniqueness of Bhojpur Temple Archeological Site

The temple at Bhojpur is unique in being left unfinished, with a series of large architectural parts still located in the quarries where the stones were cut and fashioned. In addition, there are a significant number of architectural drawings engraved on the flat surfaces of the quarry showing mouldings, pillars, and temple plans.

Proof of How Medival Craftmen raised large stones in position

Also of note is the large earthen ramp behind the temple which shows how medieval craftsmen raised the large blocks of stone into position.

Unfinished Ancient Dams at Bhojpur

Bhojpur takes its name from king Bhoja (reg. c. 1000–1055 CE), the most celebrated ruler of the Param?ra dynasty. According to local legend, king Bhoja made a vow to build a series of dams “to arrest the streams of nine rivers and ninety-nine rivulets”. A location was found in the kingdom that allowed the king to fulfil this vow and the dams were duly built at Bhojpur

Places to visit Bhojpuri Temple

When you explore the attractions of the town, you will feel the city is more inclined towards spirituality as the major places to visit are all temples. Along with visiting Bhojeshwar temple, visit the ruins of the splendid Cyclopean Dam.

Bhojeshwar Temple

This is the most important places in Bhojpur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and beckons devotees from all parts of India. The temple was built sometime around 11th century. The structure towers to a height of 66 feet. The dome is incomplete, still the beauty of it is captivating. The dome is supported by four richly carved pillars. The architecture of the temple fascinates not only tourists but archeologists as well. The temple is known as Somnath in the eastern part of India.

(Bhojeshwar Temple)

Jain Temple

The Jain Temple is famous for the magnificent 20 feet high statue of Mahavira and two statues of Parsvanath. There are three images of tirthankaras as well inside the temple. The temple is situated close to Bhojeshwar temple. The style and architecture of both the temples is quite similar which points out that both the temples were built almost in the same period.

(Jain Temple)

Cyclopean Dam

Considered to be a marvel during olden times, the great dam now lay in ruins on the western side of Bhojpur. The dam was built on a vast lake which is no more there. Huge hills enclosed the entire area from all sides, but two big gaps were there that were blocked by different dams. The earthen dams were huge with the bigger one being 44 feet high and 300 feet thick and the smaller one being 24 feet high and 100 feet wide. The construction of the dams was done without using mortar. The dams held up water of about 250 square miles. Few believe that the dams were built by Raja Bhoj, but they were probably built before his time.

(Cyclopean Dam)

Best time to Visit Bhojpur Temple Madhya Pradesh

The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is in the months of October and April when the state enjoys a salubrious weather.

How reach Bhojpuri Temple

By Air

Bhojpur is effortlessly accessible by all popular modes of transport. The closest airport being at Bhopal, the capita city of Madhya Pradesh at 28 km distance, the Raja Bhoj International Airport is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior. It is located near the satellite suburb Bairagarh and can be reached via Bairagarh, Panchati or Gandhinagar road on the NH 12.

By Rail

Closest Railway station to Bhojpur is Bhopal Junction Railway Station. It is on the main north-south line and is well connected by rail to almost all parts of the country. The station belongs to the West Central Railway Zone.

By Road

Bhojpur has good connectivity with Bhopal via road. Bhopal being the railroad and highway transportation hub, it has a very effective inter state road transport facilities. After reaching Bhopal, the travelers can avail the metro or radio taxi services available in plenty. The interstate bus terminal in Bhopal is near the Habibganj station.