Bhojpur Temple: The Massive Shiva Linga

Sitting on the steps of the magnificent Bhojpur Temple
 

Bhojpur is a small village just on the periphery of Bhopal city, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. It is a picturesque hilly area which still has the remananats of the walls built during the time of Raja Bhoj. Bhopal was originally founded by Raja Bhoj in the ancient times, hence deriving it's name but the city has expanded beyond the borders of the original capital built by the Raja. Bhojpur on the other hand still has the remanants of the ancient times in its huge walls and ruins. The outstanding example of the legacy of  Raja Bhoj has passed on to us in the form of the Bhojpur Temple.

The Bhojpur temple is a remarkable example of ancient craftsmanship. It has been carved out of a single rock and mounts an enormous Shiva Linga inside. It is said that Raja Bhoj used to come on his favourite elephant back in those days and the elephant was used to garland the Shiva Lingam. The temple is perched on a small hill and is largely intact. The craftsmanship on the temple walls is mesmerising. The ASI (Archeological Survey of India) has currently taken up the task to restore the temple.

Just near the temple runs a brook on the other side of which lies another temple of Goddess Parvati. There are boats to ferry you to the other side of the brook. The way to the brook from the temple is rock and a person has to climb down rocks to reach the brook. There are shops on both sides of this passage to cater the needs of the pilgrims and tourists.

 

The amazing thing about this temple is its extra ordinary connectivity. The way to the temple is well connected by broad well laid roads lined by shady trees making the travel a delight in itself. It is just 19-20 kms from Bhopal. When one travels up the curvy roads to the hill one can see the green hill lined with stone walls from the Raja's time and feel the ancient air flowing through him.