- Bhojpur Temple, often known as the Somnath of the East, is located on the banks of the Betwa River in Raisen district.
- It is named after the ruler of the region, King Bhoj, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- King Bhoj founded Bhojpur in the early medieval period and the temple has played a significant role in establishing Bhojpur’s reputation across India.
- It is also known as Bhojeshwar Temple and was constructed on a hill in the hamlet of Bhojpur.
- Raja Bhoj ordered the construction of the Shivling and temple between 1010 and 1053 AD.
- However, the temple never reached its completion and these days, the Archaeological Survey of India looks after the maintenance and completion of the temple.
- The Bhojpur temple is unusual in numerous ways, the absence of a Mandapa attached to the Garbhagriha and the use of a rectilinear roof rather than the more traditional curved Shikhara can be noted.
- The entry wall of the temple has engravings of pillar patterns and bells which give it an astonishing look.
