Day 72. Legacy. 9

 The Bhojeshwar Temple is an incomplete- and unique- Hindu temple in Bhojpur village of Madhya Pradesh.

 Dedicated to Shiva, it houses a 7.5 feet (2.3 m) high lingam in its sanctum.

The temple's construction is believed to have started in the 11th century, during the reign of the Paramara king Bhoja. The construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. The temple has been designated as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The temple lies on a platform 115 feet (35 m) long, 82 feet (25 m) wide and 13 feet (4.0 m) high. On the platform lies a sanctum containing a large Lingam. The sanctum plan comprises a square; on the outside, each side measures 65 feet (20 m); on the inside, each measures 42.5 feet (13.0 m).

The Lingam is built using three superimposed limestone blocks. The lingam is 7.5 feet (2.3 m) high and 17.8 feet (5.4 m) in circumference. It is set on a square platform, whose sides measure 21.5 feet (6.6 m). The total height of the lingam, including the platform is over 40 feet (12 m).

The doorway to the sanctum is 33 feet (10 m) high. The wall at the entrance features sculptures of apsaras, ganas (attendants of Shiva) and river goddesses. (wiki).

 I had two occasions to visit the temple. Except visitors, there  are not many people there. That doesn’t matter from the angle of this discussion. Unique features of the temple are-

ü  The height of the Lingam. I have not seen anything like that so far in person or virtually.

ü  The circumference of the Lingam

ü  The entrance height of the temple

ü  The mammoth size of the whole structure.

One can see attempts  were made to destroy the sculptures at the entrance. Since the whole work is on stone, such attempts were not fully successful.

The temple takes us back to an era when rulers of great wealth and devotion were present. That is the heritage one should recall with pride. Bhojewar temple gives that in plenty. We must remember them with utmost gratefulness.

Many may not be having a plan to visit this temple as they  may not have, probably, even heard about it.. however  it can be now easily seen on the net. Make it a point to see and know about this great temple,at least on the net.

( seeing this temple first time  in 1994 left a deep impression in my mind).

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत्

7 AM