Orchha Mandir Niwari, Timings, History, Travel Guide, and How to reach

Orchha Mandir Niwari – Guide

The Mandir of Raja Ram located in Orchha tehsil in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh. This is the only temple where Sri Rama, the Lord and the King, is worshiped in both forms. According to many beliefs, the real deity of Ramlala of Ayodhya is situated in Orchha only. This is the reason why even though the importance of Orchha is not equal to that of Ayodhya, it is not less either.

History of this Temple

There is a great local story about Orchha Mandir Niwari, once Madhukar Shah, the then ruler of the Bundelkhand region, was a great devotee of Krishna, but on the other hand, his wife Maharani Kunwari Ganesh was always engrossed in the devotion of Shri Ram. There used to be a competition between the two to prove their idol to be the best. Once the king asked the queen to go to Vrindavan but the queen refused and insisted on going to Ayodhya.

On this, the king sarcastically said that if the queen is such a great devotee of Ram, then show her Orchha from Ayodhya. The queen accepted the challenge and left for Ayodhya. It is believed that for 21 days Maharani Kunwari Ganesha did penance for Lord Rama in Ayodhya but when she did not receive any sign of Lord Rama, she jumped into the river Sarayu.

Lord Shri Ram appeared in his lap after jumping into the river. The queen requested him to go to Orchha. Lord Rama was brought to Orchha on Chaitra Shukla Navami in Vikram Samvat 1631 (AD 1574).

Orchha Mandir Niwari Timings

Orchha Mandir Niwari opens at 7:00 AM in the morning and close at 10:30 PM in the evening. Morning aarti performed at 8:00 AM in the morning and evening aarti performed at 8:00 PM in the evening.

Places to visit near this Temple

Orchha Fort

One of the best places to visit in Orchha is the “Orchha Fort” situated on the banks of the Betwa River. The Orchha Fort was built in the 16^th century by Bundela Rudra Pratap Singh, which took many years to complete.

Jahangir Mahal

Jahangir Mahal is one of the major tourist places of Orchha. Built as a garrison and stronghold for the Mughals, the Jahangir Mahal was completed by Bharat Bhushan in 1598 after he defeated Veer Dev Singh of Bundela.

Chaturbhuj Temple

Chaturbhuj Temple built during the reign of Gurjara Pratihara dynasty in 875 AD is one of the famous temple of Orchha. The Chaturbhuj temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Chhatris

Situated on the banks of the Betwa River, the Chhatris are the tombs of the Maharajas of Orchha, which are also symbols of Orchha’s rich cultural heritage and past grandeur. There are 14 chhatris located at this place which were built in honour of the kings of Bundelkhand.

Also Read: Dongargarh Mata Mandir Rajnandgaon, Timings, History, Travel Guide, and How to reach

How to reach Orchha Mandir Niwari

By Air- The nearest airport from Orchha Mandir Niwari is Khajuraho airport which is at a distance of 163 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Train- The nearest railway station from Orchha Mandir Niwari is Jhansi railway station which is at a distance of few kms from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.