Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)
Orchha (Niwari District), Madhya Pradesh, India, Madhya Pradesh
Temple
Bundela Architecture / Nagara Influence
Bundela Rajput Period
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Year Built
1580
Built By
Raja Madhukar Shah (Orchha State, 16th century)
Patronage
Bundela Rajputs (Orchha State)
Area
3500 m²
Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)
Situated in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, within the Orchha Fort complex, the Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Originally intended to house the image of Lord Rama that is now in the Ram Raja Temple, it features a grand multi-storied structure blending temple and fort architectural elements. Its soaring vimana (spire) and spacious interiors are notable. Though the main idol is absent, the temple's imposing architecture and historical significance make it a major attraction for many visitors today.
Location
Orchha (Niwari District), Madhya Pradesh, India(Madhya Pradesh)
Year Built
1580
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
5:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Fee applicable (part of Orchha complex ASI ticket, approx. INR 35 Indians, INR 550 Foreigners).
Heritage Status
Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI).
Preservation Status
Good, ASI maintained stone structure.
Historical Context
Its history is dramatic: built (late 16th C) by Bundela king Madhukar Shah for a Rama idol his queen Ganesh Kunwari brought from Ayodhya after a divine vision. However, the idol, temporarily placed in the queen's palace kitchen (now the Ram Raja Temple site), refused to be moved to the grand Chaturbhuj temple upon its completion. Consequently, Chaturbhuj was dedicated to Vishnu. Its architecture reflects Bundela ambition – massive scale, soaring shikharas resembling fort bastions, incorporating arches and domes influenced by prevailing Indo-Islamic styles, yet fundamentally a Nagara temple plan.
Archaeological Survey
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - Bhopal Circle.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Bundela Architecture / Nagara Influence
Bundela Rajput Period
Built by
Raja Madhukar Shah (Orchha State, 16th century)
Materials
Stone, Brick, Lime mortar/plaster
Dimensions
Height31m
Width50m
Length70m
Area3500m²
Featured Image
Excavation Details
ASI protected monument. No major excavations reported. Archaeological significance lies in its imposing architecture (a blend of temple and fort styles), built by the Bundela Rajputs (Raja Madhukar Shah, construction started late 16th C). Conservation efforts by ASI.
Restoration Work
ASI conservation work including structural repairs and preservation.
Patronage
Bundela Rajputs (Orchha State)
Construction Technique
Masonry (stone and brick), Vaulting, Plastering
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Construction of tall shikhara, Use of arches, domes, vaults, Multi-storied structure
Coordinates
25.350600, 78.640600
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Large structure with multiple levels accessed via steep, narrow stairs. Significant climbing required to reach upper levels.","restrooms":"Available nearby within Orchha complex","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited (ground floor exterior view possible)"}
Visitor Facilities
5 items
Best Visit Times
Winter (October to March) offers the most comfortable weather for exploring Orchha. Summers (April-June) are extremely hot. Visit during morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the harshest sun and capture better photographs.
Seasonal Events
2 items
Visitor Restrictions
Part of the Orchha ASI ticketed complex. Respectful attire suggested. Avoid touching or defacing structures. Photography generally allowed, videography may require a fee. Guides available for historical context.
View Count
2
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00