Excursions Near Bhopal

Sanchi / Udaigiri

Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century to the 12th century. The most famous of these monuments, is the Sanchi Stupa 1, which was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Srilanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is located 46 kilometers away from Bhopal it is also known as the World Heritage Site. Sanchi has a strong Buddhist heritage also. Tourism in Madhya Pradesh receives a momentum with a tour to Sanchi that also reveals testimony of Gupta architecture besides the Buddhists ruins.

Bhojpur

Bhojpur is named after its founder, the Parmara king Bhoj. Bhojpur is situated 28 km from Bhopal on the banks of river Betwa. Bhojpur is famous for the incomplete Bhojeshwar temple, which is dedicated to Shiva. The temple houses the largest Shiva lingam in India, which is 5.5 m (18 ft) tall and 2.3 m (7.5 ft) in circumference and is crafted out a single rock.

Today, the ruined and incomplete Bhojeshwar Temple still humbles the mind. Constructed in the latter part of the 11th century, its great stone blocks encompass a doorframe, which towers ten meters high and five meters wide. Four titanic pillars, richly carved, rise to support an incomplete dome. The high noon sun lances through the dome, illuminates a massive pedestal made of three stepped blocks of sandstone, seven meters square. An iron ladder ascends this huge pedestal to reach the uppermost platform, directly beneath the high roof, open to the sky. Dominating this platform and the great brooding temple is a magnificent lingam more than five meters high and over two meters in circumference.

In the temple, religion and architecture, sculpture, drama and a weird vision combine in a compelling assertion of reality. There is a brooding imminence about this great black temple that demands attention and reverence; and streams of school girls, as bright as moving garlands of flowers, moved up and down the ladder seeking the blessings of the great monolith, bowing to mumbled prayers from an ochre-robed, white-bearded priest who stood near like a vision of a benevolent and slightly portly Father Time.

If the incomplete temple can evoke such awe, how much reverential fear would have been evoked by the final work of Raja Bhoja? But the savant king was fated never to complete his imposing shrine. For, at the glorious end of the Paramara era in 1060, the Chalukyas of Kalyani and Gujarat combined with Lakshmi-Karna of the Kalachuri dynasty attacked Raja Bhoja's capital. In that fierce battle, Raja Bhoja died defending his kingdom. And so today, only the temple stands, and beyond it, a damaged Jain colossus rides in a whitewashed building. Stones still lie around partially carved as they had been when the sculptors fled nine centuries ago when Bhoja fell. Eagles still wheel in the wide sky as they did over that ancient bloody battlefield. And a train chuffs and mourns across the plain like a sad spirit of a warrior, slowly departing.

But Bhoja's forty-two-year reign is still celebrated in myth and legend as well as in this time-defying monument. For, as long as the temple stands, and the doorway towers and the sculptures enchant and the great lingam broods with implacable power in the 900-year-old Bhojeshwar, so long will the memory of King Bhoja shine like a diadem.

Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Bhojpur is situated at a distance of 30 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, State of India, surrounded by dense forests of Vindhyachal Mountain Range. This Kshetra is famous for miraculous idol of Bhagwan Shantinath (16th Teerthankar) 22½ feet high in standing posture; this was installed here by the consent of ‘King Bhoj’, the famous King of ‘Dhar’ during 11th century. According to the inscription on idol, it was reverenced in year 1100 AD.

This Kshetra is related to ‘Acharya Mantunga’, who was the writer of famous ‘Bhaktamar Stotra’. Acharya Mantunga’s place of penance – Siddha-Shila (a flat rock) and his shrine is also here. At the place of shrine, a pair of foot images is reverenced. Acharya Mantunga (an introduction): - King Bhoj seated on the throne of Dhara Nagari presently city of Dhar) in year 1100 AD. Great poet ‘Kalidas’ was one of the members of his assembly – Royal Court. One Jain poet ‘Dhananjaya’ was also becoming famous those days in the city. One day King Bhoj called Dhananjaya in his royal court and get introduced with him and praised him for his poems & wisdom.

Shri Dhananjaya told the king very politely that his all wisdom & knowledge was due to his teacher (Guru) Acharya Mantunga – a Jain Muni (Saint), he said that all the knowledge is due to the blessings of Acharya Mantunga. After knowing about the praise worth Acharya Mantunga, King Bhoj desired to meet with Acharya. King Bhoj ordered his servants to bring Acharya Mantunga to his royal court with honor. At that time Acharya were staying at Bhojpur and doing Tapa (Penance) for self – realization – purification. Servants of King Bhoj reached there, prayed Acharya again & again to go with them to city of Dhara to meet their King Bhoj. But ascetic saints have no purpose in meeting with King or any other persons. So Acharya gave no reply to servants and engrossed in deep Tapa or meditation. Servants returned to King and told about their failure. So the King Bhoj became angry and he ordered to bring the Acharya forcefully in his royal court. Servants do the same and thus Acharya were brought before King Bhoj. The king praised Acharya and requested to give some religious precepts to the audience present there. But up to that time looking unfavorable situations, Acharya decided to remain silent during such conditions. So all the prayers & requests of King were all in vain, so King became angry and he ordered to his soldiers to place the Acharya in prison. Thus Acharya were placed in prison.

In the prison Acharya Mantunga started the prayer of Bhagwan Adinath (the 1st Teerthankar), thus he wrote in Sanskrit language a great poem – the ‘Bhaktamar Stotra’ having 48 Chhanda (Verse), this is very popular Stotra among Jains, daily recited in so many families. It is supposed that every verse (Chhanda) of this Stotra has the power of Mantra and is helpful in getting the dreams materialized.

Due to the effect of Bhaktamar Stotra, Acharya Mantunga automatically came out of prison. The watchman saw this miracle, but thinking about the self-ignorance, he again closed Acharya in prison and checked the locks firmly. But after sometime locks of prison again opened and Acharya were free again. Seeing this the watchman hurried to the king and told him about the event. King came there and he ordered the soldiers to tie Acharya firmly with strong chains and kept in the prison having 48 locks. Acharya again recited Bhaktamar Stotra and all the 48 locks with chains broken. Acharya automatically came out of prison. Looking this miracle, King Bhoj felt down in the feet of Acharya, he pardoned for his mistake again & again.

After this, Acharya Mantunga entered the city of Dhara, due the effect of preaches & Tapa of Mantunga, so many people’s accepted Jain Dharma (religion).

Later on Acharya Mantunga stayed at Bhojpur he practiced for penance & meditation, tried to get rid of worldly affection & aversion. At the end, he accepted ‘Sallekhana Vrit’ and give up his body doing Tapa. Shrine of Acharya Mantunga and his Siddha Shila (a rock where Acharya seated for Tapa & meditation) is also here in Bhojpur. A pair of footprints of Acharya Mantunga are installed on the shrine.

At a distence of 13 km from Dhara, in the village ‘Ahu’, ruins of 48 pillars may be seen where Acharya were kept during prison. Later on a huge temple of Bhagwan Shantinath was constructed here by the consent of King Bhoj and 22½ feet high standing idol of Bhagwan Shantinath was installed in the huge sanctum of temple.

This huge temple was established in year 1100 AD. The miraculous idol of principal deity Bhagwan Shantinath in standing posture (22½ feet in height) is installed in the huge sanctum of this temple. On the both sides of this idol, 2 standing beautiful idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath & Suparshvanath (7th Teerthankar) 8 feet in height each are installed. Near the feet of Bhagwan Shantinath, artistic whisk bearers are carved on both sides.

Bhimbetka

Enclosed by the northern tassel of the majestic Vindhyans, Bhimbetka in Bhopal is characterized by rock-strewn topography with thick woods and wrinkled precipices. The biggest depository of antediluvian knacks in India, Bhimbetka is a retreat of serenity and harmony for the picnickers. One of the most primitive dwellings of human race, Bhimbetka boasts of a history of 35000 years old. In fact, the place has witnessed a cultural sequence right from the late Stone Age to the early historic period. The flamboyant paintings that depict the living styles of primeval mankind are definitely a treasure house of information and a precious narrative in the history of man.

As the name itself suggests, this historic place is closely related to the legendary figure Bhim, the second in the Pandavas. The popular belief is that, it was here that Bhim took a brief rest during his exile. The word Bimbetka literally means Bim’s lounge.

A marvel in the archaeological perspective, Bimbetka is adorned with the accolade of being the richest depository of prehistoric paintings, in South Asia. It is the twenty second place in India, which is declared as a World heritage site by UNESCO. The Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. Archeologists are of the opinion that these caves might have been occupied over 10,000 years ago.

These paintings portray the transition of primitive man to a cultured human being. These paintings, which unearths the expectations and qualms of the inhabitants of the caves enthralls every visitor with its liveliness. It is quite amazing to note that the artists had shown great skill in portraying the sequence of events in his artwork. A wide spectrum of activities is being illustrated on the walls, which ranges from frescos of animals to the portraits of woman.

Bordered by impenetrable forests and wobbly crags, the site also offers spectacular sceneries and poses a treasure trove for bird lovers. The magnificent paintings in the rock shelters are the gateway to the primordial colonnade of Bhimbetka. If truth were told, each stone and every pendant rock in Bhimbetka would verbalize the miraculous history of human civilization. This unique archaeological location is a recommended spot for those who are really interested to acquaint with the primordial society.

A rare facility to go back to the roots of mankind makes touring in Bimbetka an unusual experience. Bimbekta paintings are not only finest artistic works but also it gives valuable tips about the earliest inhabitants.

OVERVIEW & BEST SEASON OF BHIMBETKA

Bhimbetka has hot and cool climate all through the years.

Summers (March to May) are hot and dry with temperatures soaring to 42°C and having a minimum of 25°C and typically tourists avoid the hot days in April and May.

Monsoons (June to September) dominate the climate here with moderate temperature and lot of heavy rainfall. Bhimbetka adorns greenish during the Monsoons.

Winters (December to February) are pleasant and sunny with minimum touching nearly 8°C in nights. Best season to visit Bhimbetka is between July and March.

April and May offer dry weather with high temperatures and so outings may be avoided. June to September is good for tourists liking the heavy intermittent rains. October to March is excellent for outdoors trips and sightseeing.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS IN BHIMBETKA

October and November are festival seasons with religious festivals like Diwali and Navarathri. February - March is attractive with Holi celebrations with imposing festivities and gaiety.

Tawa Dam

The Tawa Dam & Reservoir offers a scenic escape from the hustle bustle of city life. It is set amidst lush greenery, and offers much scope for adventure. Sunsets viewed from the dam are especially enchanting. Even more enchanting is the lake cruise, which takes you on a serene hour-long ride along the dreamy little islands dotting the reservoir and the panoramic hills of the Satpura to Churna. Here you can indulge in a jungle safari at the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Tawa Reservoir is a reservoir on the Tawa River in central India. It is located in Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state above of Baitul district. The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam, which began in 1958 and was completed in 1978. The dam provides for irrigation to several thousand hectares of farming land in Hoshangabad and Harda districts. It is also a big tourist attraction during the monsoon months. A cruise boat service has been started by the tourism department for visitors to the dam and reservoir. The dam was made by late Shri Vinay Kumar Diwan also known as Denva Ke Gandhi for his work for public welfare being public representative in the region for almost two decades serving as MLA.

The dam has brought prosperity to the Hoshangabad district.

Tawa Reservoir forms the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

POWER PLANT DETAILS

It is a small hydropower plant which was set up on the left bank to utilize the tailrace water for irrigation purpose.

It is a private sector hydro-electric generation power plant. The two units of 2 × 6.75 MW were set up by LNJ Bhilwara group. Generated power supplied to HEG Plant Mandideep via MPPTCL Power Line.

The power production in this plant was started in 1998.

The construction of project was completed in record time of 22 months and at a cost of about 65 crore. Early and efficient completion made possible by RSWI, Canada.

Halali Dam

Halali dam is known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project. It is constructed across Halali river a tributary of Betwa river.Catchment area of the project is 699 sq. km. It is about 47 kilometers from Bhopal's New market and towards Sanchi.

Ratapani (Delabadi)

Ratapani is a Jungle & Wildlife Safari Lodge, situated barely 30 Kms from the City of Bhopal, on the fringes of the upcoming Ratapani Tiger Reserve, 200 meters from the Kolar Dam. Amidst beautiful and dense teak forests, an area inhabited by Tiger, Leopards, Wildcats, Sloth-bears Foxes, Hyenas, Deer's and Languor's, is The Ratapani, a quiet and quaint Jungle Jungle Lodge, spread over the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Kolar Reservoir and the beautiful Ratapani Jungles, in the valley below.

Kerwa Dam

Kerwa dam is a popular picnic spot near Bhopal city. It is around 15 kms from Bhopal city and very well connected by road. It was developed as an eco-tourism site where Bhopal people can spend their day while enjoying the scenic nature, birding, adventure games etc. It covers 69 sq.kms. area which includes it catchment area.

Mahadevpani Waterfall

The another religious as well as heritage site near the Bhopal is the Mahadev pani. Mahadev Pani (Lord Shiva’s waters) is a small tourist near Raisen road (NH86) about 15-20 Kms form main city, near a small village named Sehatganj. It has a small dam, its reservoir, small waterfalls amid extensive rocky surface. The waterfall attracts visitors from all around the city. You are at the top of the mountain with waterfall flowing below.

Handia Narmada Bank

The proposed site is located about 96 km from Bhopal and 61 km from Hoshangabad near village Dimawar of Sehore District and lies at Latitude 22°35 ¢ 20²N and Longitude 77°21 ¢ 10² E. The deepest riverbed level at Barrage site is about 267.473m. Handia (Dimawar) HE project, a run of the River scheme and is a part of Cascade development of Projects on River Narmada. Pre feasibility report of Handia HE Project was prepared by NHDC Limited in June'2004.

Gyaraspur

41 km north-east of Sanchi, Gyraspur was a place of considerable importance in the medieval period. Here, in the ruins called Athakhambe (eight pillars) and Chaukhambe (four pillars) are what remains of the columned halls of two temples belonging to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The faceted shafts of Athakhambe with their extreme delicacy of carving testify to the high degree of craftsmanship during the period. Other monuments of note at Gyraspur are of the early 10th century: Bajra Math and Mala Devi Temple, the latter distinguished by its carved pillars with foliated motifs, representatives of the richest post-Gupta style.

Udaipur

The temple built of sand stone enclosed with a dwarf compound wall, the outer face of which was carved richly. The main temple consists of a shrine a hall, three entrance porches and sikhara. it is built in Bhumija style. The mandapa is richly carved and has porches on three sides. Two inscriptions engraved on the temple record the construction of temple during paramara king Udayaditya, between 1059 to 1080.