Orcha is home to many spectacular cenatophs established on the banks of the Betwa River. The Cenatophs of Orcha were built in memory of the Bundela rulers who used to rule Orchha. These 14 cenotaphs date between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The temple-like spires and cubical shapes of these structures make them a stunning sight on the Betwa River. The structures have a central chamber and four other rooms on each corner of the courtyard.
Cenotaphs are topped with shikhars, which closely resemble the spirals on temples in the Nagar style. Bir Singh Deo’s chhatri is the most impressive, as it is more like an entire palace and attracts admirers across India.
Each of these cenotaphs is unique in design and architecture. They are made of sandstone and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Visitors to Orchha can explore the cenotaphs at their own pace, taking in the intricate details and timeless beauty of these structures. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the temperature is pleasant, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable experience.
Beside Cenatophs, Orcha has some remarkable ancient monuments and temples in the Orchha Fort Complex, like Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. It is also home to an awe-inspiring light and sound show that depicts the story of legendary history. It is a must-visit place for history buffs and those looking to explore the hidden treasures of Orcha
Aside from the majestic temples, palaces, and cenotaphs in Orchha, it is also renowned for its wildlife, with spotted deer, peacocks, blue bulls, and sloth bears inhabiting the area. It is also home to the Chaturbhuj Temple, which has a tall Vimana at 344 feet.
Towered Chaturbhuj Temple
As the name suggests Chaturbhuj means with four arms, and Lord Vishnu referred as Chaturbhuj in many Hindu texts. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and said to build by Madhukar Singh. Its a beautiful architecture above 4.5 metres platform, few steps lead to the main temple. The temple has high Shikhars, large entrance, central tower and looks like a multi-storeyed palace with fortifications.
It is said the idol of Lord Rama supposted to be installed here in this temple. Queen of Madhukar Shah, Ganesh Kumari was a great devotee of Lord Rama who brought the idol from Ayodhya. He kept that idol in her palace as Chaturbhuj Temple was under construction. When the temple was constucted, they decided to shift the idol, but couldn’t move that. Thus, Idol of Lord Vishnu was installed at the sanctum sanctorum.
Jahangir Mahal
Jahangir Mahal is the most noteworthy monument inside the Orcha Fort Complex. As per some scholors it was built by Maharaja Veer Singh Deo during the visit of Mughal King Jahangir. Its a multi-storied building on a square layout with towers at each corner. Its main entrance gate opened towards betwa river’s main flow. Its skilled lattice carving on stones and adorable sculptures of elephants and birds is the main attraction of the palace. Series of small domes along with main dome seems touching the sky. It has 136 apartments with marvellous paintings, which can be seen in few aprtments only now. Its the perfect example of richness of medieval architecture and fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture.