Introduction

Laxminarayan temple is located on the Orchha township of Madhya Pradesh in India. It lies in northern part of state, close to state border with Uttar Pradesh state. This region is part of main Bundelkhand region thus here we will the related culture and rituals. This town is also called kingdom of lord Rama as here he is worshipped as a king. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. Laxminarayan Mandir is a one of the three famous temple of Bundela dynasty with base on this place. It is important part of Orchha sightseeing thus covered along with forts, palace, cenotaphs. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi (God of wealth and prosperity) but there is no idol of any goddess inside temple. It presents a unique style of architecture in which we will find fort + temple in same building complex. This temple is a perfect blend of temple and fort architecture. The walls of this charming shrine are elaborately decorated with fabulous mural paintings, which show pulsating compositions from mythological themes. This temple also houses the very famous post mural paintings.

Architecture

It is a magnificent temple which makes curious on first visit. It is a east facing temple, dedicated to godess of wealth Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, thus first sunlight falls on its entry gate. From distance, it seems like a small palace building. Building is on the raised platform, square in shape. Due to gateway on the vertex of square, on first view it seems like a triangular shaped temple but when we go inside or take its outside round, then we can understand the actual shape. Basically it blend of fort + temple design. Usually we find Shikhara and Mandapa in traditional temples but here we will find high walls, bastions and narrow passage with mural and frescoes. Subject of these painting are stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, freedom struggle of 1857. It is a classic example where Bundelkhandi architecture is mixed with Mughal architecture.

History

This magnificient Lakshminarayan temple was built by Bir Singh Deo around 1662. 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 & prosperity, Laxmi, and within the inner chambers of the temple, Vir Singh made arrangements for offering sacrifices for Laxmi. The Laxminarayan Temple of Orchha is built in an exceptional blend of temple and fort architecture, with the help of lime mortar and bricks. There are frescos and paintings within the walls of the temple that are a blend of Mughal and Bundela forms of art. These frescos illustrate certain social and secular themes. The vivacious colors of the frescos are still retained. Within the Laxminarayan temple, the carvings are displayed in a geometrical pattern and there are scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, adorned with flowers and animals. Another important structure of this delightful shrine is the flagstone path that connects this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The temple along with its exquisite paintings presents an enthralling feeling and is a worthy to watch spectacle. The carvings on the central dome are exquisite as can be seen. The pillars on the corners are ornate with carvings. There is a statue of Lord Ganesh on this structure. The subjects of the paintings are particularly unusual. While some of them illustrate episodes from the sacred epic, the Ramayana, and of the lord Krishna the eighth incarnation of the Preserver, others depicts mythical, martial and secular scenes. There in an interesting painting of legendary 'Shungi Chirya' the monstrous bird that could fly away with elephants captured in this talons. This could have inspired the Roc of the Arabian Sinbad stories. Then there are paintings of the siege of Jhansi fort by the forces of the British east India company.

How to reach

Laxminarayan temple is located at western part of Orchha town and well connected by road and train. Here flight connectivity option are not so good so most of the tourists prefers train or road option.

By Flight: For visiting Laxminarayn temple by flight option, we may consider Gwalior airport as first option. It is approx. 150kms from this temple but its flight connectivity is poor. Second best option is Khajuraho airport (180kms) having limited flight connectivity but still better than Gwalior.

DISTANCE CHART
From	Distance (in Kms)
Orchha to Jhansi City	20
Orchha to Khajuraho Temples	180
Orchha to Gwalior City	140
Orchha to Chanderi	110
Orchha to Panna National Park	260
Orchha to Agra	260

By Train: Reaching Laxminarayan temple, by train option is possible. Orchha town have its own railway station with name of "Orchha" but major trains, do not stop here. Best option is to reach Jhansi railway station (Code: JHS), at a distance of 20kms from town. All major connecting major cities and tourist destinations, have stoppage at Jhansi station.

By Road: Orchha is located on the bank of Betwa river in Madhya Pradesh state. It is very close to Jhansi city and well connected by road. It has bus service from Jhansi and Tikamgarh. Jhansi city is the best option as it is closest one and also a big city so connectivity options are also more. One can easy travel by taxi, auto-rickshaw etc., from Jhansi to Orchha.
 

What to see ?

Lakshminarayan temple itself a popular Orchha tourist attraction. Large number of tourists visit this temple in Orchha sightseeing. Apart from this temple, tourists can visit to Orchha fort, Jahangir Palace, Cenotaphs, Rai Praveen mahal, Ram Raja Temple etc.

Best time to visit

It is open for tourists in all season, from sunrise to sunset. Still months from October to April is best time to visit Laxminarayan temple. Tourists even come till June month. As Orchha town is located on the bank of Betwa river thus, in monsoon season, river may get flooded on heavy rainfall thus, tourists should avoid this period. If you are heritage lover and enjoys the scenic natural views then tour to this place is worth. It comprises large collection of well maintained Bundela dynasty monuments thus offers best value on visit. We are offering many tour packages in which Orchha sightseeing has been included as a mandaotry part.

Location

Laxminarayan temple of Orchha is slightly away from main cluster of fort and cenotaphs located at eastern part of town, on Betwa river bank. It is not a river bank temple site but located at a hilly outcrop on west end of town. Travel distance from Orchha fort to this temple is approx. 2 km, by crossing the town area, through a narrow road.