The story behind the Orcha Temple in Madhya Pradesh, where it is believed that Lord Rama has two residences, is indeed intriguing. According to local legends, during the day, Lord Rama resides in the Orcha Temple, and in the evening, he returns to Ayodhya for rest. The Orcha Temple in Madhya Pradesh holds a special significance, and an interesting tale is associated with it.
The inscription in the temple, dating back to the 16th century, narrates the story of Rani Kunwari, the queen of Bundela Raja Madhukar Shah. Despite being a devoted follower of Lord Rama, the king revered Lord Krishna. This difference in their beliefs led to conflicts between the king and queen. On one occasion, the king asked the queen to visit Vrindavan, but she expressed her desire to go to Ayodhya instead. This disagreement angered the king, and in a sarcastic tone, he challenged her to bring Lord Rama from Ayodhya to Orcha to prove her devotion.
Undeterred by the challenge, Rani Kunwari traveled to Ayodhya and engaged in intense penance, but her efforts were in vain. Frustrated, she jumped into the Sarayu River. Impressed by her unwavering devotion, Lord Rama appeared and set forth three conditions for accompanying her back to Orcha. He declared that wherever he was placed in Orcha, he would remain there permanently, no other deity's influence would prevail where he resided, and he should be carried in a flower-adorned Pushpak Viman.
The Orcha Temple has since been the abode of Lord Rama during the day, and every evening, a divine light emerges after the evening aarti. This light, believed to be the form of Lord Rama, is then taken to the Patali Hanuman Temple. The tradition continues, and the divine light is said to guide Hanuman to Ayodhya, fulfilling the conditions set by Lord Rama.
Interestingly, the Orcha tradition also involves a unique practice where the police pay their respects to Lord Rama in the form of the reigning king. The police offer salutes to Lord Rama four times a day with their guns. This tradition dates back to the British colonial era, and it remains an integral part of the city's cultural heritage. Currently, the MP Police continues the tradition of saluting with firearms, making it the only city where salutes are exclusively reserved for Lord Rama, and no other VIP receives such an honor.
In summary, the Orcha Temple in Madhya Pradesh is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the deep-rooted faith and devotion of Rani Kunwari. The unique traditions and rituals associated with the temple make it a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, attracting devotees and visitors alike.
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