Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh

Bhojpur is a town of historical and religious importance in Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

History

Bhojpur is named after its founder, the Parmara king Bhoj. [http://raisen.nic.in/interest.htm#Bhojpur Official website of Raisen District] ]

Geography

Bhojpur is situated 28km from Bhopal on the banks of river Betwa.

Tourist places

Bhojpur is famous for the incomplete Bhojeshwar temple, which is dedicated to Shiva. The temple houses the largest Shiva lingam in India, which is 2.3m (7.5 ft) tall and 5.5m (18 ft) in circumference and is crafted out a single rock. [ [http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Madhya-Pradesh.htm#bho Bhojpur] ] [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct162005/sundayherald1264820051014.asp Unfinished dream] ]

Bhojpur also has an unfinished Jain temple containing a 6 meter-tall statue of Mahavir and two statues of Parshvanath. Same temple complex hosts shrine for Acharya Mantunga who wrote Bhaktamara Stotra.

The town is also home to ruins of a cyclopean dam constructed by King Bhoj. A vast lake once lay to the west of Bhojpur, but it was destroyed by Hoshang Shah of Malwa, who cut through the lesser dam.

Culture

Every year, on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, a big mela is organized in Bhojpur. [ [http://www.webindia123.com/city/mp/bhopal/interest.htm?cat=Places%20of%20Interest#bhoj Place of Interest: Bhojpur] ]

Gallery

References