Orcha Fort
Location
The Orcha fort is situated 18 Km from of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
About the Orcha Fort
The Orcha Fort-Palace-Temple complex is a major tourists attraction in
Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of Betwa river, the building has a
glorious past and mythological attachments. Orcha is a small town
between Jhansi and Khajuraho. It's claim to fame were rulers who managed
to stay on friendly terms with the Mughals. On the outskirts of the
city, along the river, presenting a thrilling site against the sky, are
a group of Hindu temples which have been hidden for a long. The Orcha
fort is a huge complex, housing 3 palaces, few temples and gardens.
Orcha fort has the only temple in India, where lord Rama is worshipped
as a king. The complex was built in 17th century by the rulers of
Bundelkhand. It is supposed that Lord Rama came to the place while he
was a king and stayed here for few days. Following the legend, King
Rudra Pratap established a temple as an ode to lord Rama. The idol of
Rama was brought from Ayodhya.
Interiors of the Fort
The Orcha complex houses three palaces, several temples, buildings and
gardens. The Jahangir Mahal was built to honor the Mughal ruler
Jahangir, on his visit to Orcha. Raj Mahal was built by King Madhukar
Shah, for his personal use. The third palace, Rani Praveen palace, was
built for the beautiful poetess and musician, Rani Praveen, who
mesmerised Akbar the great by her beauty and brains. The Chaturbhuj
temple is situated at a steep flight of steps. It was initailly the site
for Raja Rama temple. But later the idol was kept at the Raja Rama
temple, seperately built in the complex. The complex is visible from
far, due to the high spires and cenotaphs. Each palace and temple is
exquisitely designed. The wide Phool Bagh Gardens has a central row of
fountains, culminates into an eight-pillared palace-pavilion. A
subterranean structure below used to be the summer retreat of Orcha
Kings.
Reaching There
Orcha is 18 Km from Jhansi, 119 Km from Gwalior and 170 Km from
Khajuraho. Orcha can be reached by Taxis or buses from these cities.
