Temples in Orchha
Orchha's temples are as much a part of its history as its palaces. The Bundela kings built them alongside their fort, and one of them, the Ram Raja Temple, is still the centre of daily life in the town.
Ram Raja Temple is where Ram is worshipped as a king, complete with a daily guard of honour from armed police. It is an active place of worship with strict rules at the door, so dress modestly and leave phones, cameras and leather items behind.
Famous Temples in Orchha
Ram Raja Temple began as a queen's palace. Local tradition says Queen Ganesh Kunwari, wife of King Madhukar Shah, brought an idol of Ram from Ayodhya in the 16th century. She kept it in her palace while a grand temple was built for it. When the time came to move it, the idol would not move, so the palace became the temple. Ram is worshipped here as the king of Orchha.
Chaturbhuj Temple, next to Ram Raja Temple, is the temple that was built for that idol. It stands on a high stone platform, and its tall spires can be seen from across the town. The inside is plain and very high, and steep stairs lead up to the roof, which looks out over Orchha and the Betwa.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple sits on a low hill about 1 km west of the town centre. It looks more like a fort than a temple. Its halls are covered in paintings made between the 17th and 19th centuries, with scenes from the Ramayana, the life of Krishna, Bundela kings at war and British officers.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Orchha
- Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove.
- Do not take phones, cameras or leather items such as belts and wallets into Ram Raja Temple, as they are not allowed inside.
- Ram Raja Temple closes after the midday aarti (prayer with lamps) and reopens for the evening aarti, so plan your visit around these times.
- Expect long queues at Ram Raja Temple on Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami and other festival days.
- Switch off your flash inside Lakshmi Narayan Temple to protect the old paintings.
- Respect people who are praying, and follow the instructions of the temple staff and police.
Questions
Orchha — FAQ
What are the famous temples in Orchha?
The best-known temples are Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Ram Raja is the busiest place of worship, Chaturbhuj has the tallest spires and Lakshmi Narayan has the finest paintings.
Why is Ram worshipped as a king in Orchha?
Local tradition says the idol of Ram that Queen Ganesh Kunwari brought from Ayodhya would not move from her palace, so the palace became his temple. Ram is treated as the ruler of Orchha, with royal offerings and a guard of honour from armed police every day.
Can I take my phone into Ram Raja Temple?
No. The temple does not allow cameras, video cameras, mobile phones or leather items such as belts and wallets inside the temple or its premises. Leave them at your hotel, or with someone waiting outside.
When is Ram Raja Temple closed?
The temple closes in the afternoon, after the midday aarti at around 12:30 or 1 pm, and reopens for the evening aarti at around 7 or 8 pm, depending on the season. It then stays open until the late-night aarti, so check the day's timings locally.