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| Rama Raja Temple, Orchha, MP upload.wikimedia.org |
The Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and the only temple where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king and that too in a palace. This temple attracts around 650,000 domestic and 25,000 foreign tourists annually, with daily visitors ranging from 1,500 to 3,000. During major Hindu festivals like Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami, Shivratri, and Kartik Purnima, the number of devotees reaches into the thousands. A daily guard of honour is presented to Lord Ram, with armed salutation and royal offerings of food and amenities, reflecting his status as the sovereign ruler of Orchha.
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| Rama Raja Temple, Orchha MP. tv9hindi.com |
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| Rama Raja Temple,Orchha,MP.freepressjournal.in |
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| Rama Raja Temple,Orchha,MP.travelsetu.com |
The story behind the temple begins with King Madhukar Shah, a devotee of Lord Krishna, and his wife Queen Ganesh Kunwari, who worshipped Lord Ram. After a divine episode involving Lord Krishna, the king questioned Ram’s presence. The queen vowed to bring child Ram from Ayodhya or sacrifice herself. She walked to Ayodhya and prayed near the Sarayu River, gradually giving up food. After nearly a month of fasting, she attempted to drown herself in the river, but child Ram appeared in her lap and granted her wish to return with him to Orchha. Ram imposed three conditions: he would travel only during Pukh Nakshatra, be king of Orchha, and the first place he was seated would be his permanent abode. The queen accepted, and it took 8 months and 27 days to reach Orchha.
King Madhukar Shah, after a dream revelation, repented and welcomed the queen. However, Lord Ram, once seated in the queen’s palace, remained there as per his condition, and the Chaturbhuj Temple built for him was never used. Ram’s idol, now seated in padmasan with a sword and shield, is worshipped in the palace-turned-temple. Devotees believe that spotting the big toe of Lord Ram’s left foot during darshan grants their wishes. The temple priests assist in locating this special feature, making it a deeply spiritual and unique experience for worshippers.
https://www.anandway.com/article/516/ram-lala-in-ram-raja-mandir-orchha
https://travelsetu.com/guide/ram-raja-temple-orchha-tourism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Raja_Temple
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-orchhas-ramraja-temple-to-be-decked-up-like-palace-on-jan-22-1-lakh-diyas-to-be-lit-on-betwa-banks
