At Orchha temple, Lord Shri Ram is worshipped as king

Hyderabad, January 22: The historic Ram Raja Temple in Orchha celebrated the momentous occasion of Pran Pratishtha, marking the consecration of Lord Shri Ram's divine presence in Ayodhya on Monday. This unique temple holds a distinctive position as the only place where Lord Shri Ram is worshipped not only as a God but also as a king.

Originally the palace of Queen Orchha, the temple's fascinating history traces back to the 16th century AD as a testament of queen's profound devotion. When the Chaturbhuj Temple was undergoing its finishing stages, the queen acquired a statue of Lord Shri Ram from the sacred Sarayu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Due to the temple's ongoing construction at the time, the queen placed the statue in the palace's kitchen overnight. Miraculously, the next day, Lord Ram refused to be moved from that spot, turning the palace into a divine temple. Since that miraculous day, the Ram Raja Temple has been witnessing to the daily Guard of Honour bestowed upon King Shri Ram, emphasising the unique dual role of the deity as both a divine figure and a royal sovereign.

Under the dedicated leadership of Commissioner Urmila Shukla, the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums, Government of Madhya Pradesh, has been steadfast in its efforts to preserve and protect the rich cultural and heritage assets of Orchha. The Directorate's commitment extends to safeguarding prestigious monuments such as the Chaturbhuj Temple, Jahangir Mahal, Cenotaphs of Orchha, Raja Mahal, Laxmi Temple, and numerous other historical marvels.

The Directorate of Archaeology has garnered commendable recognition for its relentless work in the conservation and preservation of the State's monuments and artifacts. Smt Urmila Shukla's leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the longevity of Orchha's cultural heritage, making it a beacon for future generations.

As the Ram Raja Temple celebrates the auspicious Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024, devotees and heritage enthusiasts alike are invited to partake in the celebration of this unique fusion of divinity and royalty at the heart of Orchha.