Laxminarayan Temple Orchha in Madhya Pradesh
The Laxminarayan temple, one of the three most important temples in Orchha is an interesting tourist attraction of the place. It displays a perfect and unique mix of temple and fort architecture. Though the temple is dedicated the Goddess Laxmi, there is no idol of the Goddess kept inside the temple.
About Laxminarayan Temple Orchha :
Laxminarayan Temple was built in 1622 A.D. by Vir Singh Deo. The temple has a rectangular plan with four projecting bastions at its four corners. The main entrance is diagonal to the rectangular at one of the bastions. The temple is blend of temple and fort architecture. It has slots for cannons to fire at the enemy on the parapet wall. The temple has a covered corridor for circum-ambulation. There are numerous frescos and paintings on the walls and roof of the corridor. These frescos are a blend of Bundel and Mughal arts and dipict stories from Hindu puranas, kings of orchha, etc. There is also a painting depicting the 1857 war between Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi and the British army. This was done much later compared to the other paintings. At present there is no idol in the temple. According to the gate keeper, the idol was stolen some years back. Though the theifs were caught later, they had by then destroyed the idol.
History of Laxminarayan Temple :
Vir Singh Deo had built the beautiful Laxmi Narayan Temple around 1622 But due to inadequate maintenance, the condition of the temple soon worsened. It was reconstructed by Prithvi Singh during 1793. This temple was dedicated to Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and within the inner chambers of the temple, Vir Singh made arrangements for offering sacrifices for Laxmi.
Architecture of Laxminarayan Temple :
The architectural structure of Laxminarayan Temple was constructed by Vir Singh Deo during the year of 1662. However, the beautiful religious monument soon began to deteriorate because of poor maintenance facilities. Prithvi Singh renovated the entire structure of the temple in the year of 1793 and helped it from encountering further damage.
The Laxminarayan Temple draws several devotees from far and wide who are absolutely awed by the magnificent architecture of the sacred sanctorum of the religious shrine of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. A portion of the religious shrine has special provisions for religious sacrifices that are offered to Goddess Laxmi.
The walls and ceilings of Laxminarayan Temple are engraved with beautiful paintings and colorful frescos that impart a unique look to the sacred sanctorum. A creative mix of the rich Bundel and Mughal style of art, the splendid engravings and paintings of Laxminarayan Temple portrays the rich artistic caliber and imaginative skill of the local artisans of the ancient times.
The colorful paintings on the walls and ceilings of the holy shrine of Laxminarayan Temple are based on religious and secular subjects. Laxminarayan temple is easily reachable from all parts of Orchha by means of local transportation systems.
