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.

Badi- Bareli: To fulfill your Prayers

The picturesue landscape to Badi- Bareli

    Badi is a place located almost 150 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. An ideal place to get your wishes fulfilled it boasts of an ancient Hanuman temple, famously known as 'Dadaji ka Mandir' which attracts tourists from all over India. The temple is said to have mystical properties and 'Dadaji' fulfils the wishes of all those who come to him with a pure heart and sacred belief. The temple is not located exactly at Badi. Actually it is located in Bareli, almost 19 km from Bari. The Hanuman temple is generally over crowded with devotees during Tuesdays and Saturdays, known to be particularly favoured by the deity. Any 'mannat' (wish) made by tying a knot at the temple is believed to be fulfilled and once it is fulfilled it is customary to make another pilgrimage to the temple.

     Bari was not a very accessible place due to the poor condition of roads and poor public transport but in the recent times better roads have made the travel a better experience. A lot of local buses would be easily available till Bari and then jeeps are available from there for Bareli. Although public transport is not a strictly unadvisable it is better to take your own car or hire a taxi to the place.

     I went to Bari with my family using my own car. The ride was a pleasant one, primarily due to the early morning weather which was cool and sunny. The road till Mandideep ( an industrial area just outside Bhopal) was busy and traffic was heavy but once I crossed Mandideep it was a cruise. The roads were primarily empty for large stretches but even when I passed a few trucks there was no slowing down. The car cruised at almost 90kmph for the entire journey. The landscape was lush green. Occasionally we saw monkeys and wild buffaloes in the forests. It was a pleasant and soothing ride ideal for a short weekend trip.

     We reached Bari at 11 am. Performing the pujas at the temple one can feel a spiritual connection to Dadaji. The shopkeepers near the temple keep all the articles of pooja including the 'prasad' which is actually a very sweet 'peda' ( a sweet made from milk). Child beggars run rampant around the temple and so do stray dogs which can be an inhibiting and irritating influence on many people. But knowing very well that it is the crisis of almost all the Indian temples I wasn't bothered.

    On our way back it suddenly started raining making the weather much more pleasant and enjoyable. The showers seemed to cleanse the environment and everything looked greener and beautiful. It was an enjoyable spiritual journey, a short one as I am a resident of Bhopal.