Chaturbhuj Temple in Orchha is one of the most fabulous and ancient architectural marvels of the time in the town. It was built by king Madhukar in between the years 1558 and 1573. The temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms but was originally meant for Lord Rama’s idol. Legends say that when Lord Rama’s idol which is placed at the Rani Niwas, the private residence of Raja Madhukar’s wife- Maharani Gansh Kunwar, 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.
The original place where the idol of Lord Rama was places is the Chaturbhuj Temple. The history of the Chaturbhuj temple, Orchha is associated with an interesting legend that imposes the faith of the people.It is said that Maharani Gansh Kunwar, wife of the Ruler of Orchha, raja madhukar built the temple for Lord Rama. She wanted to relocate the idol of Rama that was placed in Rani Niwas, her private apartments to the temple.But the idol refused to move.Thus , the king instead of Lord rama, places the idol of Lord Vishnu, with four arms in the temple. That is how, the name Chaturbhuj temple was attained.
Chaturbhuj Temple Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps. The temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Ram that remained in the Ram Raja Tempi. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.
One of the city’s greatest attractions is the Chaturbhuj Temple, which is situated right opposite the Raja Mahal. Dedicated to the four-armed deity, Chaturbhuj (chaturbhuj literally means four-armed), the temple has plenty of light and space inside, a feature unusual for a Hindu temple.
This is the temple which was built originally for Lord Ram. But when legend has it that the queen, who was bringing the idols of Lord Ram, and Sita, rested outside this temple for some time as she felt tired. After rest, when she tried to take the idols, the idols did not move from the place. So, a new temple had been built around the idols and that is known as Ram Raja temple now.
Located opposite the Raja Mahal, the Chaturbhuj Temple with its unique concept and luxury of space is the prime attraction of the city. Dedicated to Chaturbhuj meaning the four-armed, the temple built in 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar, perched on a stone platform has marvellous exterior which is a visual delight adorned with Lotus emblems. The most striking feature of the temple is when one sees the inside of the temple one will be astonished to find the temple abounds in light and space which is unlikely of any Hindu temple.
Orchha is located in the northernmost part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, besides the Malwa Plateau. It is easy to reach Chaturbhuj Temple once in Ochha with the help of local transport.the Chaturbhuj temple is located opposite the Raja Mahal.One has to climb a steep flight of stairs to reach the Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha .
Orchha is a ever-green tourist destination as it has historical monuments as main attractions which can be visited any time throughout the year. Still to enjoy the its adjoining nature and river-rafting, winter & springs are considered as best time to visit Orchha. Tourist prefers to visit Orchha from October to April as during this time climate remain cold and surrounding natural beauty of Orchha remains at their best. Tiger Reserves of Central India are also remain open during time that allows Orchha to be a part of Wildlife Tour. In summers, Orchha and its nearby areas like Khajuraho, Chanderi etc. remains hot along with dryness in surrounding natural beauty. Betwa river water also remain low during summers that poses difficulty in any kind of river rafting. So winters & spring seasons are the best time to visit Orchha.
