A eleventh century Shiva temple in Bhojpur tells the story of the incomplete dream of a king

The Red Stone Edifis dedicated to Shiva is still rich in architectural splendor. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

India, the land where history is echoed through its temples, palaces and even the remains of war and ruins, has many interesting stories about various rulers and their incomplete stories. Of these, Bhojeshwar temple in Bhojpur village in Madhya Pradesh talks about a dream, which was left incomplete – an incomplete structure that is still fulfilled in its grandeur, is modest in appearance, but flows with artistic splendor.

The entire view of the Bhojeshwar temple was seen at the forefront with his finger and mandapam. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

Located in a bizarre village of Bhojpur, this 11th century temple, which is dedicated to Shiva, is often told to Raja Bhoj, the most magnificent ruler of the Paramara dynasty,

A huge column with Shiva Lingam seen in the center at Bhojeshwar temple. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

A small drive from Bhopal city leads to this temple. As one goes closer, the temple looks like an open book, its solid red sandstone edifice. A large plinth (3.6mx8mx4M) is embedded for a mandapa and for devotees.

A complex carved statue was seen inside the incomplete miracle. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

Access to the sanctum sanctorum is through a 10-meter-high gate and the doors are adorned with the best idols of the river deities and Dwarpalak, who stand as a silent watchdog for an architectural miracle that never reached its final form.

Symbol of river gods, staring at the pillars of Bhojeshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

As we climb an iron ladder and reach Garbagarih, we stand in front of a giant Shiva Lingam, which stands at an altitude of 2.3 meters, and rest on a huge water stream (pedestal) of a height of 4.4 meters. It is a grand scene that reminds the Grand Lingam at the Brihadeshwar temple in Tanjavur. Another interesting feature of Lingam is that it is a unbroken structure.

The Kolosal Lingam stands at an altitude of 2.3 meters, and rests on a large scale that sits on a huge Jaladhara (pedestal) of a height of 4.4 meters in the Bhojeshwar temple. , Photo Credit: p. Pannaruselvam

The sanctum sanctorum is supported by four columns and Lingam is seen in the center. Shikara, once open to the sky, is now closed with a fiber-glass cover. As the legend goes, a huge stone fell from the center Push (Avudaiyar) by breaking it into two, and later ASI refined it. The rich carved icon of Hindu deities that beautify columns and roofs inside the temple seems to be affected by the Dravidian architecture. All the sides of the temple, except the mask, remain uncontrollably, breaking the monotony with some blind projecting balconies.

A line drawings, sketches and layouts of plans can be found, can catch the rocks in nearby mines. They also indicate to construct structures, one of which is a huge corbelled roof that increases to 100 meters when its completion. Unused carved stones, and earthquake ramps are found in the east of the temple. The vision of Raja Bhoj, who wrote the architectural text SamranganasutradharaEach stone remains, which talks about the unique craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Paramara dynasty.

Even in an incomplete state, Bhojeshwar Temple is a miracle. As an expert historian, correctly observations, history is at this place, where a king’s dream project, with a huge shikara, Mandapa in Foire and with complicated carvings to the gods with minor temples, continues to capture those visiting this Shiva temple.

The next time you plan to travel to Ujjain or Omkareshwar, make a round to Bhopal to experience the strangeness that is strong inside Bhopal.