Bhojpur is a historical town in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Major attraction of this town is Bhojpur Temple. In the early medieval period this village was founded by King Bhoj.
What to see in Bhojpur Temple: Bhojpur Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temple is named after King Bhoj. In the historic period he ruled the surrounding area of this temple. This temple is situated on the banks of River Vetravati. The temples and Shivalingas in the temple are placed by Raja Bhoj. Construction of this temple is made between 1010 AD to 1053 AD. But till now constructions of the temple has not yet completed.
Other name of this temple is Bhojeswar Temple. This temple is famous for huge idol of Lord Shiva. This stone Shivalinga’s height is 7.5 feet. Platform of this Shivalinga is 21feet tall and the circumference is more than 18feet. This largest Shiva Linga is made up with only one single rock. Stone Structured Shivalinga of Bhojeswar Temple is the tallest Shivalinga in the world. Puja’s cannot be performed directly so iron stairs are arranged to perform Pujas to this Linga. Archaeological Survey of India is maintaining this temple. On the temples pillars, facade and domes, several stone structures are placed. To give support to the stone structure of Lord Somanath 4 pillars are arranged on all the sides.
At the entrance of the temple, 2 attractive idols are placed and in the lower part of the temple had eight corners. Outer wall of this temple never completed. Huge dam on River Vetravati was constructed. This is another attraction of this place. This dam can be seen from Somnath temple. Most attractive festivals celebrated in this temple are Makar Sankrathi and Shivaratri.
What to see around Bhojpur Temple:
Cave of Parvati: This is located opposite to the Bhojeswar Temple. It consists of plenty of architectural fragments and sculptures. All these sculptures belong to 11th century.
Jain Temple: This temple consists of statue of Shantinath which is 6 meters tall, Suparasnath statue and 2 statues of Parshvanath. It is located just one kilometre away from Bhojpur temple.
Bhoja’s Royal Palace: After the Parvati and opposite to Bhojpur temple Bhoja’s Royal Palace remains can be seen. This Palace is unique palace. In northern India this kind of building cannot be seen anywhere. It is located just one kilometre away from Bhojpur temple.
Quarries and Rock drawings: Bhojpur temple is still incomplete. Large numbers of architectural parts which are planned to be used in temple construction are still located in the quarries where the stones are cut and fashioned. This quarry consists of several temple plans, pillars and mouldings. It is located just two kilometres away from Bhojpur temple.
Getting to Bhojpur Temple: Bhojpur Temple is located in Bhojpur. Bhojpur is well connected with road ways. From cities like Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Bhopal buses are available to reach Bhojpur. Nearest railway station is located at Bhopal. Nearest Air port is located at Bhopal. This airport is well connected with Jabalpur, Gwalior, Raipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, and Kolkata.
Getting around Bhojpur Temple: Walking is the best option to see the places around Bhojpur temple.
Best time to visit Bhojpur Temple: This temple welcomes all the tourists throughout the year. But best time to visit this place is between October to March.
Where to stay in Bhojpur Temple: There are no accommodations available in the temple complex. But in Bhojpur budget and midrange hotels are available. If Visitors wants to stay in luxury hotel they need to go to Bhopal.
Where to eat in Bhojpur Temple: There are no eating options inside the temple complex. It is advisable to carry food and water. In Bhojpur very limited restaurants are available.