About Bhojeshwar Temple
The Bhojeshwar Temple stands on a rocky hill above the Betwa river at Bhojpur village, about 28 km south-east of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a colossal polished stone linga, about 2.3 metres high, set on a huge three-tiered base, so that the whole stands several times a person's height. Often called the Somnath of the East by local people, it is a protected monument of national importance and an active place of worship, especially on Maha Shivaratri.
The temple is believed to have been started in the 11th century under the Paramara king Bhoja, the famous scholar-king of Malwa, after whom Bhojpur is named. A Jain temple nearby, which shares the same masons' marks, carries an inscription of 1035 CE, supporting this date. For reasons no one knows, the work was abandoned before completion. Because of this, the site is unusually valuable to historians: architectural drawings of the planned temple are engraved on the surrounding rocks, along with masons' marks, half-dressed stones and an earthen ramp that was likely used to haul blocks to the top. Tradition also credits Bhoja with large dams that once formed a lake nearby.
What visitors see today is a tall square sanctum with massive walls and four great pillars that rise to support a partly built corbelled ceiling, which was never closed with a spire. The doorway is framed by carved figures of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna and attendants. The giant linga dominates the interior. The sheer scale of the stones, the unfinished state and the open views over the Betwa valley make the visit memorable. A modern roof covers the top to protect the shrine.
Bhojeshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Bhojeshwar Temple
By air
Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, is about 40 km away.
By train
Bhopal Junction is about 30 km away; Mandideep and Obaidullaganj are smaller stations closer by.
By road
Bhojpur is reached by road from Bhopal via Mandideep. Taxis from Bhopal are the easiest option, and many visitors combine it with Bhimbetka on the same day.
Festivals at Bhojeshwar Temple
- Maha Shivaratri fairFeb/Mar
- Makar Sankranti fairJan
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry. The temple is an ASI-protected monument where worship continues.
- Look for the engraved building plans and masons' marks on the rocks around the temple.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the hilltop and steps are rocky.
- Summer afternoons are very hot; go in the morning or late afternoon.
- Visit the small Jain temple nearby, which shares its history with the Shiva temple.
- Combine with the Bhimbetka rock shelters for a full day trip from Bhopal.
Places to visit near Bhojeshwar Temple
- Bhojpur Jain Temple11th-century Jain shrine with a tall image of Adinatha, about 0.5 km away
- Bhimbetka Rock SheltersUNESCO World Heritage prehistoric cave paintings, about 30 km away
- Upper Lake, BhopalLarge historic lake in Bhopal city, about 35 km away
- Sanchi StupaUNESCO World Heritage Buddhist site, about 75 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Bhojeshwar Temple?
It is believed to have been started by the Paramara king Bhoja in the 11th century, but it was never completed.
How big is the Bhojpur Shiva linga?
The polished linga is about 2.3 metres tall and stands on a large three-tiered base, making it one of the largest in India.
How far is Bhojpur from Bhopal?
Bhojpur is about 28 km from Bhopal city by road, roughly a 45-minute drive.
Is there an entry fee at Bhojeshwar Temple?
No, entry is free. It is an ASI-protected monument where worship still takes place.
What is the aarti time at Bhojeshwar Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Bhojeshwar Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Bhojeshwar Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended.
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