Vanavasi Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.
There are many places in Madhya Pradesh from the point of view of tourism, in which the importance and attraction of Orchha is more among the tourists. All the monuments located in Orchha are a priceless heritage. A temple near the Radhika Bihari temple called Vanvasi Mandir is completely a victim of tourists and the neglect of the Archaeological Department, while it is dedicated to the exile form of Ramji.
This small East facing magnificent temple was built by Maharaja Veer Singh Dev. Its eastern façade is built of stone’s Toran Dwar and either side two-two stone spires resemble the main Shikhara on the roof of square Sanctum. It has porch after entrance and rectangular antechamber. The walls of the square Sanctum have sinking arches. Provision of ventilators on northern and southern walls for the ingress of light and air. The center of the sanctum was occupied by the chief deity Vanvasi Rama now there is no image. It’s said that this image is sacraded in the Ram Raja temple. The temple is built on a raised rectangular platform. From the base there’s a series of decorated moldings, on which walls are raised and topped by a series of cornice above which the Shikhara is raised. It’s a renowned Nagara style architecture. At the peak notched stone disk which represents the lotus and adorned by the Kalash. All the four sides of the Shikhara, spires are there with small windows and balconied windows at uniform level.
The villagers have encroached upon this temple as well and have filled it with weeds. Due to thorny bushes and grass around and water in the fields, I had to face difficulties, but there was nothing in front of my passion.