Ram Raja Temple

Rama Navami: This festival is celebrated Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. During this time, Lord Ram’s idol is moved from inside the temple (गर्भगृह) to a throne in the verenda. Ramnavami is Lord Ram’s Nativity; Ram’s birth exhibit is displayed during this time and people from all over come to witness this event at the temple. Other events celebrated in the temple are Ganga Dussehra, Rath Yatra, Sawan Teej, Rahesya Pooranmashi, Vivha Panchami, Ganesh Kunwari Jayanti, Holika Festival and Lord Ram’s Wedding.

Ram’s wedding is enacted each year in mid-December. Orchha itself resembles a bedecked bride as the baraat – comprising gorgeously decorated chariots, caparisoned elephants, and horses – wends its way down the narrow streets. Later, the town celebrates the royal nuptials over a banquet (bhandara) hosted by the temple trust.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

In the temple Raja Ram is accompanied by Sita (on the left), brother Laxman (on the right), Maharaj Sugreev and Narsingh Bhagwan (on the right). Durga Maa is also present in the darbar on the right side. Hanumaan Ji and Jamwant ji are praying just below Sita. The speciality of this temple is that Lord Ram has a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other. Shri Ram is sitting in Padmasan, with the left leg crossed over the right thigh.

Shri Ram is sitting in Padmasan (Lotus position), with only left leg crossed over the right thigh though (both legs are not crossed unlike in the usual Padmasan). Every day after worship, sandalwood’s teeka is applied on Lord Ram’s left’s thumb. It is believed when visiting the Raja Ram Darbaar if worshippers look at the left foot’s thumb then their wish gets fulfilled. Spotting the left foot’s thumb on Lord Ram’s idol is not easy, one should not look down since the left leg is folded, and instead one should look close to Lord Ram’s right hand. The temple priest can also help in spotting the thumb.