Orchha: Where Ram is worshiped as Raja

Rivers have been the primal source of fresh water since the time immemorial. All the great civilizations develop around the rivers. Rivers formed the basis of mass agriculture. Our ancestors were very well informed of it. They built all their cities around these rivers. Ganga, Narmada and Godavari are some of the most important rivers of India. And then there are few more rivers which drain their waters into these big rivers and make them more prosperous.

One of these rivers is Betwa which has an unconventional flow direction towards north(which is very rare for Indian rivers). It originates in the Vindhyanchal Range near Bhopal and drains into Yamuna near Hamirpur(Uttar Pradesh) which ultimately drains into Ganga in Prayagraj.

Betwa has been an important natural resource for Chanderi and Bundeli Kings. One important and historical town situated on the banks of Betwa is Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. This town is in fact at the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and only 20 kms from Jhansi.

Orchha was developed and built by Bundel Kings around 16th Century. There are a lot of places in Orchha to visit. It has importance as a historical city as well as a holy city for Hindus.

On a seasonal island in Betwa river, a fort complex was constructed by many of the Bundel kings and later by Mughals. In the fort complex, the most famous and splendid monument is Jahangir Mahal and Raja Mahal. The architecture is kind of amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architectures.

Betwa is also visited by many pilgrims. This is the only place Ram is worshiped as Raja and there is a temple dedicated to Raja Ram. Chaturbhuj temple with the highest Viman of all the Hindu temples in India is almost visible from the whole town.

Once you come towards the ghats of Betwa, you'll find another set of temples and monuments commonly known as Chhatris.

Orchha has everything for every kind of visitor. It has historical magnificent forts, beautiful temples, pristine ghats and a lot more. Better to visit the whole town walking from one place to another. In the day time visit all the monuments and temples. During sunset come to the ghats to enjoy a calm evening in the vicinity of great architecture and Betwa river.