Finished with the sightseeing of Orchha Mahal we moved towards Raja Ram temple. Both the places are walk able distance apart. The architecture of temple as fascinating as temples of South India.
Some centuries back, one night King of Orchha
dreamed of Lord Ram and received inspiration to build a temple/palace dedicated
to Ram. The construction was finished soon and opened for worship. A peculiar
thing of this temple is that Lord Ram is not worshiped as god but as a King.
The temple too was constructed more like a Raj Bhavan rather than a temple. Even today, Police stand at the gates
pretending to be guards of Lord Ram. The temple is revered by devotees throughout
India and they pour in large number throughout the year.
Raja Ram temple:
Temple is built of golden brown stones and has lots
of rooms. We had just finished the ground floor and were about to leave the
temple when I noticed a dark passage going upwards. A metal chain confirmed
that the passage was not open to tourists. Some guards were chatting in front
of the small gate less door. I moved closer to them and asked what’s above? One
of them replied you want to go up? I said yes. He continued take this boy with
you he will show you all the interesting spots.
Sadhus sitting under a Peepal tree in RamRaja temple
Chilams
Our mute guide:
A young boy in jeans and T-Shirt came ahead. A
little white board was hanging from his neck which read I am Deaf and Dumb, please
help me.
The guide
We started moving up the narrow alley which was
broad enough to only pass one at a time. Stairs were big and broken. The boy moving
ahead understood our likelihood to rough against the tall stairs and low
ceiling in the dark. He passed torch lights standing at the turns and making hunn
hunn noise from his nose to indicate to climb slowly.
Indian long-billed vulture:
We reached a flat terrace which was connected
to the main dome of the temple. Our young guide started making sharp noises and
fast hand movements. He wanted to show us something very interesting. I hurried towards him and moved my eyes in
the direction of his finger. Indian long billed Vultures or Gyps Indicus.
Amazing!
Long-billed Indian Vultures
There was a
time when they were in abundance but not now. In fact they are placed in the
category of highly endangered species and rarely found. One of the main reasons
cited by researchers is the use of Pain killers by humans which enter the food
chain of Vultures resulting in their death.
There were around 6-7 big vultures. Some
sitting on the sections of the temple while some in the air with their huge
wings. We all stood there for quite a time watching the magnificent endangered
Vultures before returning on the ground floor. Handed our guide his due.
Thanked all the guards and left the temple.
It was around 7 PM and and sun had moved to the
other hemisphere. We took auto-rickshaw and returned Hotel Chanda our nest for
the night. With this comes end to our visit of Jhansi and Orchha.
I am eager to listen your feedback. Use the comment box below or write me at budgetyatri[at]gmail.com
Niraj Yadav.
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The denizens of the deep woodlands and forests of Madhya Pradesh are the stately ‘gaur’ (Indian bison), wild dogs (‘dhole’), deer and antelopes like the sambar, chinkara, cheetal (spotted deer), chousingha (four horned antelope) and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
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