Largest Shivling in India: Bhojeshwar Temple, built by Raja Bhoj

Home to India's largest monolithic Shivling, the Bhojeshwar Temple, near Bhopal, a testament to the architectural brilliance and reflecting the profound legacy of the philosopher King.

"An Unforgettable Journey Through Time: Raja Bhoj, the Bhojeshwar Temple, and My Tryst with History"

As an Election Observer during the hustle and bustle of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, my journey led me to the heartland of Madhya Pradesh. Amidst the cacophony of politics and the whirlwind of public service, I chanced upon a timeless monument that silently spoke volumes - the Bhojeshwar Temple.

Frontview: The Temple is an imposing structure and looks far from incomplete.

The temple stands as a silent, yet eloquent tribute to King Bhoja, often fondly referred to as Raja Bhoj. The name strikes a familiar chord, thanks to the popular Hindi saying, "कहाँ राजा भोज, कहाँ गंगू तेली" (Kahan Raja Bhoj, kahan Gangu Teli). This phrase metaphorically represents a comparison between two individuals of unequal status, with Raja Bhoj symbolizing wisdom, power, and nobility.

Statute of Raja Bhoj in Bhopal (not at the temple site).

Raja Bhoj, a scholar-king hailing from the Parmar Rajput lineage of the 11th century, embodied far more than the traditional aspects of a ruler. His contributions to literature, architecture, and the arts are legendary. It is believed that Raja Bhoj founded the city of Bhojpal, which is modern-day Bhopal, the vibrant capital of Madhya Pradesh.

The size of the humans lends a sense of the scale to the massive Shivling

One sunny day in April, amidst the dust and heat of Madhya Pradesh, I ventured towards the Bhojeshwar Temple. An emblem of the 11th century, the temple, although incomplete, beautifully captures the essence of Raja Bhoj's patronage of art and architecture.

1. Intricate carvings on the ceiling. 2. Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri

This silent sentinel of history, designed in the Bhumija style of architecture, is a testament to the artistic leanings of its time. The temple's structure, composed of a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule, and a large platform, stands as a symbolic narrative of the scholarly king's unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.

Shivling in the sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule, and a large platform. The glazed finish is original.

The temple houses a monolithic Shiva lingam, one of the largest in India. This towering symbol of faith and devotion, standing at around 7.5 feet with a circumference of 17.8 feet, humbles and awes in equal measure. As I stood in its imposing presence, I could almost hear the echoes of millennia of reverence and artistry.

Side windows and the ASI’s summary of the shrine.

A stroll around the temple complex revealed intricate etchings on the flat rocks. These sketches mirrored the meticulous planning that went into the temple's construction, forming a timeless dialogue between the era of Raja Bhoj and the present.

1. Front courtyard. 2. Mandideep Industrial Complex, Raisen district, clicked from the temple

This day, amidst the maelstrom of the elections, remains deeply etched in my memory. As I navigated the serenity of the temple grounds, I felt a strong connection with a significant piece of India's rich cultural heritage. The hot stones beneath my feet, the tranquility enveloping the surroundings, and the whispers of history in the air crafted an experience beyond words.

Revisiting the photographs I captured that day, I am washed over by waves of nostalgia. Each image is a moment frozen in time under the scorching April sun. These images allow me to relive the essence of that day, reminding me of the heat of the stones, the solemnity of the garbhagriha, and the resonating echo of history.

The Bhojeshwar Temple, a living testament to Raja Bhoj's legacy, is a poignant reminder of our country's timeless beauty and rich history. It is more than a memory immortalized through my lens, it's an experience that lingers in my heart. A silent narrative of a summer's day spent in the silent company of history.

Who’s at the feet of the mighty Raja Bhoj? Gangu Teli?

As you journey through this article, interspersed with my captured images from that unforgettable visit, I hope to share a piece of that memory. Our rich heritage, standing resilient amidst the rush of modern life, waits for our return, silently echoing the wisdom of the ages and the legacy of a king who continues to inspire - Raja Bho¹j.

"ॐ नमः शिवाय".

POST-SCRIPT: My election story ended on 16th May, 2014, when Smt. Sushma Swaraj (BJP) was declared elected by a record margin of 4,10,698 votes from the Vidisha-Raisen Lok Sabha constituency. ((The Returning Officer (District Collector) presenting her the certificate of election.))

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