Temple building in India starts from a very ancient time. The evidence of first brick structure in India is from Bhitargaon in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh, an Indian state.
Bhojeshwar Temple
Bhojpur temple also known as Bhojeshwar temple is located 32 kms from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.
When we made a plan to visit Bhimbetka, I googled other nearby places. I have a flair for historical places and found a quest to visit this temple.
We started early in the morning from Bhopal at 8. By 10 we were at Bhojpur where Bhojeshwar temple is located.
But what is unique about this temple. The temple is called Somnath of the east. Somnath temple is in Gujarat and famous for its historicity and grand architecture.
The temple at Bhojpur is located on a high plinth. It is believed the temple was build by Indian King Bhoja(1010-1055). River betwa flows a few meters away from the main temple.
Unique architecture
The temple has very different architecture. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The linga inside the temple is largest of the Lingas in Indian temple which is 5.5 mts in length. The unique feauture about linga is that it is made up of monolith i.e. made of single rock structure. The temple is made up of red sandstone and was incomplete.
The temple has an inner Garbha Griha where the linga is installed. The structure is supported by huge pillars from four side. There is a massive corbelled dome above the pillars. The archaeological evidences suggest that the dome is precursor to dome architecture in India. It was believed that we borrowed dome building technique from Muslim countries. But seeing the historicity of this temple it can be said that the dome building technique is not new to India.
Incomplete temple
There is a legend which says that the temple was built by Bhima, one of the heroes from Indian epic Mahabharata. He was supposed to build this temple in one night for his mother Kunti, but left incomplete as the night was over.
The temple was left incomplete. The evidences of carved pillars, and other building materials have been found near the temple. Unfinished designs and other structures clearly shows that the temple was due to be completed.
Parvati cave
On the western side of the temple there is a structure known as Cave of Parvati. The materials used here belong to 11th century.
Priest
I interacted with the temple priest in the temple. I came to know that the it is the 19th generation of the priest which is offering prayer in the temple. One can see the historicity of this temple after having conversation with the temple priest.
Betwa River
The river is flowing in the eastern side of the temple. I was amazed to see the beautiful Betwa flowing here. It was rainy days and the Betwa was ripe with ample water.
Festivals
The temple is not only famous for its historicity but also for two major festivals. Fair is organised on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Three days festival Bhojpur Mahotsav is also organised at the temple prescinct.
Visiting to Bhojpur temple was a different experience. The pillars of the temple were so huge that it seems temple building and life at that time was really grand. There are structures of Gods and kshechar gandharvas engraved on the walked if the temple. Kshechar gandharvas are celestial bodies. The door of the temple was gigantic. The entire premise of the temple was still very lively.
The entry inside the temple is free of cost. Don't forget to some items for langoors inside the premise. We found them very humble and offered them bananas and coconut.
Bhojeshwar Temple
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| Bhojeshwar Temple |
When we made a plan to visit Bhimbetka, I googled other nearby places. I have a flair for historical places and found a quest to visit this temple.
We started early in the morning from Bhopal at 8. By 10 we were at Bhojpur where Bhojeshwar temple is located.
But what is unique about this temple. The temple is called Somnath of the east. Somnath temple is in Gujarat and famous for its historicity and grand architecture.
The temple at Bhojpur is located on a high plinth. It is believed the temple was build by Indian King Bhoja(1010-1055). River betwa flows a few meters away from the main temple.
Unique architecture
 |
| Huge pillars and outer wall |
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| Monolith linga in temple garbha griha |
The temple has an inner Garbha Griha where the linga is installed. The structure is supported by huge pillars from four side. There is a massive corbelled dome above the pillars. The archaeological evidences suggest that the dome is precursor to dome architecture in India. It was believed that we borrowed dome building technique from Muslim countries. But seeing the historicity of this temple it can be said that the dome building technique is not new to India.
Incomplete temple
 |
| Incomplete carved pillars |
The temple was left incomplete. The evidences of carved pillars, and other building materials have been found near the temple. Unfinished designs and other structures clearly shows that the temple was due to be completed.
 |
| Mound behind the temple |
On the western side of the temple there is a structure known as Cave of Parvati. The materials used here belong to 11th century.
Priest
I interacted with the temple priest in the temple. I came to know that the it is the 19th generation of the priest which is offering prayer in the temple. One can see the historicity of this temple after having conversation with the temple priest.
 |
| 19th generation of the priest offering prayer in the temple |
The river is flowing in the eastern side of the temple. I was amazed to see the beautiful Betwa flowing here. It was rainy days and the Betwa was ripe with ample water.
Festivals
The temple is not only famous for its historicity but also for two major festivals. Fair is organised on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Three days festival Bhojpur Mahotsav is also organised at the temple prescinct.
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| Makar sankranti and Mahashivratri are major festivals |
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| Corbelled dome |
The entry inside the temple is free of cost. Don't forget to some items for langoors inside the premise. We found them very humble and offered them bananas and coconut.
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