Ram Raja Templeराम राजा मंदिर

About Ram Raja Temple

The Ram Raja Temple is in Orchha, a historic Bundela town on the Betwa river in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, about 18 km from Jhansi. It is unlike any other Rama temple: here Rama is worshipped not only as a god but as the reigning king of Orchha, and his shrine is a palace rather than a temple. Police guards stand on duty, an armed salute and guard of honour are given every day, and his meals are served as royal bhog. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists come every year, and the town fills up for Ram Navami and Vivaha Panchami.

According to tradition, Madhukar Shah, king of Orchha in the 16th century, was a devotee of Krishna, while his queen Ganesh Kunwari was devoted to Rama. After a disagreement, the queen vowed to bring Rama from Ayodhya or drown herself in the Sarayu. After long penance, Rama appeared to her as a child and agreed to come on three conditions: he would travel only during Pushya nakshatra, he would be the king of Orchha, and he would stay forever wherever she first seated him. The journey took about eight months and twenty-seven days, around 1574 to 1575. The queen placed the image in her palace while the grand Chaturbhuj Temple was being built for it, and Rama never left.

The temple is the old queen's palace, the Rani Mahal, with courtyards and halls in the Bundela style. In the sanctum Rama sits as king with Sita on his left and Lakshmana, Sugriva and Narasimha on his right, with Hanuman and Jambavan in prayer below. Each day sandal paste is applied to Rama's left big toe, and devotees try to see the toe during darshan. The towering Chaturbhuj Temple, built for the image, stands right beside the palace. The daily routine follows a royal court, with short curtain breaks called chik before the king's meals, and on Ram Navami the image is brought out to a throne in the veranda for the birth celebrations.

Ram Raja Temple timings & aarti

Open for morning darshan from the first aarti (about 8:00 or 9:00 AM depending on the season) until after Rajbhog aarti (about 12:30 to 1:00 PM), and again from Sandhya aarti (about 7:00 or 8:00 PM) until Biyari aarti (about 9:30 or 10:30 PM). Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Ram Raja Temple

Festivals at Ram Raja Temple

• Ram NavamiMar/Apr
• Vivaha Panchami (Rama's wedding)Nov/Dec
• Makar SankrantiJan
• Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest traditional clothing is advised. Cameras, mobile phones and leather items such as belts and wallets are not allowed inside.

Entry

Free. Prasad, Raj Bhog and other offerings can be booked at the temple or online.

• Leave phones, cameras and leather items at your hotel; they are not allowed inside.
• The temple closes between the midday and evening aartis, so plan sightseeing in the afternoon.
• Look near Rama's right hand to spot the sandal-marked toe; the priest can guide you.
• Stay for the evening to see Orchha's palaces and chhatris along the Betwa.

Places to visit near Ram Raja Temple

• Chaturbhuj TempleTowering temple built for Rama's image, right next door
• Jahangir MahalBundela-Mughal palace on the fort island, within walking distance
• Royal chhatris on the BetwaCenotaphs of Orchha's rulers by the river, within walking distance
• Laxmi Narayan TempleFort-like temple with fine murals, on the edge of Orchha

Frequently asked questions