Set on a bend along the Betwa river, the site of Orchha was a chosen by the Bundela Chief, Raja Rudra Pratap (1501-31) for his capital. Orchha contains three palaces, each built by succeeding Maharajas.
The most popular of the rulers was Bir Singhju Dev who dedicated the Jehangir Mahal in honor of the great Moghal emperor, on his visit. The extraordinary beauty is in sharp contrast to an earlier building, adorned by colorful murals, known as the Raj Mal, which was built by his predecesor Madhukar Shah, within the same complex. Madhukur Shah was more religiously inclined and has significant contributions towards two prominent temples in Orchha, which have a very interesting background. He once had a dream that he should install the idol of lord Rama (a Vishnu incarnation at he brought from Ayodhaya. It was kept in a place, now known as the Ram Raja Temple which is the only temple where Rama is worshipped as a king. He then built a temple on a emissive platform, known as Chaturbhuj, where the idol was to be placed. It was decorated intricately with lotus emblems and other religious symbols. However the idol could not be moved
The King recalled too late, the deity's edict that the image would remain in the place where it first installed.
Dinman Hardaul's Palace belongs to the Son of Bir Singhju Dev. Dinman committed suicide to prove his innocence over an affair with the wife of his brother (Jujhar) and has since been regarded virtually as a saint martyr. Later Jujhur's son adopted Islam, after his marriage to a Muslim girl in Delhi, and retired here in Sunder Mahal. He was accorded the status of Saint after his death.
Another story lies in the Palace of Rai Praveen who was the artistic Paramour of Raja Indramani. Emperor Akbar was very impressed with her talent and invited her to Delhi She finally returned to her original patron in this palace.
The walled Phool Bagh (flower gardens) is a cool summer retreat. Orchha also has a series of impressive temples, dating back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees. The soaring spires of Ram Raja Temple and the well-preserved murals of the Lakshmi Naraya Temple are especially worth a look. 14 beautiful Chhattris (cenotaphs) or memorials are lined up on the Kanchana Glut of the river Betwa.
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