Bhojeshwar Temple

Founded by the legendary Paramara king of Dhar Raja Bhoja (1010-53 A.D) has remains of its magnificent Shiva temple and cyclopean dam. Raja (King) Bhoja was, an engineer, a warrior, a great administrator and a man of formidable vision.

It houses the tallest Shiva Linga in the world – taller than the one in Brihadeeshwara temple in Tanjavur in South India. The incomplete dome could have been the largest and is supported by four massive pillars. The main entrance is embellished with exquisite sculptures of Yakshis. The side walls have intricately carved balconies.

Bhojeshwar Temple more popularly known as Somnath of the East is located in Bhojpur, about 28 Km away from Bhopal. The temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, was built on the banks of river Betwa by Raja Bhoja as a thanks giving for his recovery from disease. Raised on a 106 ft long, 77 ft. wide and 17 ft. high platform, this 11th century temple is a simple square structure with an incomplete dome supported by four richly carved colossal pillars and 40 ft high pilasters. The exterior of the temple has a dimension of 66 feets. Bhojeshwar temple is guarded by two attractive figures on either side at the entrance and the other three sides are surrounded by balconies supported by huge brackets and four elaborately carved pillars.
The sanctum of the temple is adorned with an enormous Shiva Lingam, carved out of a single rock over a three tiered square limestone platform. The Shiva Lingam, rising to a height of 7.5 ft with nearly 21.5 ft circumference is said to be the largest in India. Though the temple was in ruins, it still stands magnificently and remains as one of the best examples of temple architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries. Sivaratri festival celebrated here with

Bhojpur is at a distance of 35 KMs from Bhopal. The road is good and once you come out of hurly-burly of city traffic, you will enter the peaceful environs of Betwa basin. Betwa is an important river in Central India.

Best Time to visit
The months immediately after monsoon should be the best. This means September. The place will be green and soothing and the red granite structure provides a nice contrast to surroundings. Otherwise the best time would be from October to March. Winter months of December - January will be very cold in the morning. If planning to visit during summer months of April - July, make sure you visit the the place early in the morning or late in the evening. Day temperatures in these places soar to 45 degree centigrade in summer months.