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The Architectural Elegance of Bhojpur

By Akshatha Vinayak

An old world charm welcomes, as you enter this ancient city of Bhojpur. The city derives its name from the King Bhoja, the ruler of Paramara dynasty in 11th C.

Today, Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh is a historical place. One gets to see a big elegant Bhojeshwar temple on the banks on river Betwa. The temple is one of the fine examples of 11th and 12th century temple architecture.

Bhojeshwar temple is dedicated to lord Shiva; it has a huge monolithic Shiva Lingam in the sanctum. This magnificent temple is an unfinished one, yet the design and sculptures depict a great architectural quality.

In fact, the Jain temple just opposite to the Shiva temple is also not complete. The story is that, during the time of construction, Raja Bhoja was attacked by Hoshang Shah of Malwa. Bhoja's death in this war, also stopped the construction of the temples.

Even after 900 years, Bhojeshwar temple and the architectural fragments remain in Bhojpur. One can also see the ruined dams of river Betwa which were constructed during that time.

Bhojpur remains as an important attraction in Madhya Pradesh tourism. A visit to this ancient city, will take you back to the golden era of Paramara dynasty.

Bhojeshwar Temple

Bhojeshwar Temple

Bhojeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as the 'Somnath of the East'.
Photo Courtesy: Bernard Gagnon

Shiva Lingam in Bhojeshwar Temple

Shiva Lingam in Bhojeshwar Temple

The majestic Shiva Lingam in the temple is 17.8 ft high and is one of the largest monolithic Lingams in India.
Photo Courtesy: Yann

Cave of Parvati

Cave of Parvati

Parvati Cave is just opposite to Bhojeshwar temple, it has many sculptures and architectural remains of eleventh century.
Photo Courtesy: Zippymarmalade

 Jain Temples
 

Jain Temples

The unfinished Jain temples has a tall statue of Bhagwan Shantinath and two statues of Bhagwan Parswanath and Bhagwan Suprasanath. 
Photo Courtesy:  Atishay Jain

River Betwa

River Betwa

King Bhoja had constructed two dams to stop river Betwa and the water was held in the lake for years.
Photo Courtesy: Zippymarmalade

Architectural Fragments

Architectural Fragments

The temple was still under construction during the time of the war. Even today, the architectural fragments, stone blocks, markings of temple plans are found around the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Zippymarmalade

Sculptures in Bhojeshwar Temple

Sculptures in Bhojeshwar Temple

The sculptures of Bhojeshwar temple indicate the importance of art during those times.
Photo Courtesy: Bernard Gagnon

Remains of the Dam

Remains of the Dam

The ruins of one of the two dams constructed across Betwa river. Hoshang Shah during his invasion, destructed the smaller dam.
Photo Courtesy: Zippymarmalade

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