Bhojpur Temple, also called Bhojeshwar Mahadev, is an old Shiva temple about 28 km from Bhopal. It has one of the biggest Shivlings in India.
The temple was built by Raja Bhoj about 1,000 years ago, but it was never finished. It is an easy half day trip in our Bhopal tour packages.
- God: Lord Shiva (Bhojeshwar Mahadev).
- Built by: Raja Bhoj, 11th century.
- Shivling: about 7.5 feet tall, over 40 feet with its base.
- Status: never finished.
- From Bhopal: about 28 km, under 1 hour.
- Time needed: about 1 hour.
Bhojpur Temple at a Glance
Who Built the Bhojpur Temple?
- 👑 Raja Bhoj of the Paramara kings built it in the 11th century.
- 🏗 Work stopped suddenly and the roof was never finished.
- 🤔 Nobody knows why for sure. It may have been war, money or a natural problem.
- 🪨 A huge earth ramp used to lift the big stones can still be seen behind the temple.
Tip: Plans for the temple are carved on the rocks nearby. It is like an old building drawing.
What to See at Bhojpur
1The Giant Shivling
One of the biggest Shivlings in India, on a tall stone base.
- Made from three big stone pieces.
2The Tall Pillars
Huge carved stone pillars hold up the open roof.
- See the fine carving on the top.
3The Old Ramp
The long earth ramp used to move giant stones.
- Shows how old builders worked.
4Jain Temple Nearby
An old Jain temple with a big statue, close by.
Bhojpur Temple Timings
- 🕕 Open: roughly from morning to evening (about 6 AM to 6 PM).
- 🎫 Entry: open place of worship.
- 🎉 Mahashivratri: a big fair with many pilgrims.
Tip: Timings can change on festival days. Please check locally.
Best Time to Visit Bhojpur
| Season | Months | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Winter | October to March | Cool and pleasant. |
| Monsoon | July to September | Green, Betwa river is full. |
| Summer | April to June | Hot, go early morning. |
Bhopal to Bhojpur Distance and How to Reach
- 🚗 From Bhopal by road: about 28 km, under 1 hour.
- 🚆 Nearest station: Bhopal.
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal.
- 🚌 Tip: a car or cab is easiest, buses are few.
Bhojpur and Bhimbetka Day Plan
- Morning: Bhopal to Bhojpur Temple (about 28 km)
- Noon: Bhojpur to Bhimbetka
- Evening: back to Bhopal
Read our Bhimbetka guide and see more in our places to visit in Bhopal guide.
Want to see Bhojpur with an easy plan? We arrange the car, hotel and sightseeing around Bhopal. See our Bhopal tour packages. For more of the state, see our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bhojpur Temple?
In Bhojpur village, Raisen district, about 28 km from Bhopal, on the Betwa river.
What is the Bhopal to Bhojpur distance?
About 28 km by road, under 1 hour.
Who built the Bhojpur Temple?
Raja Bhoj, the Paramara king, in the 11th century.
Why is the Bhojpur Temple unfinished?
Work stopped suddenly. The exact reason is not known.
How tall is the Bhojpur Shivling?
About 7.5 feet. With its base, it is over 40 feet tall.
How far is Bhojpur from Bhimbetka?
They are close. Many people see both on the same day.
What is the best time to visit Bhojpur?
October to March, and on Mahashivratri for the big fair.
