Bhojpur temple gets roof after 1000 years

Bhopal, Sept 7: After about 1,000 years of its construction, half-complete dome of the historical Bhojpur temple has been fully covered with fibre glass.

Archaeology Survey of India Superintendent (Bhopal Circle) K K Mohammed told sources that the it cost nearly Rs 25 lakh to complete the work started three months back.

The temple, which has the world's largest 'shivling' with a height of about 6.70 m and a 4 m diameter, has earned the nomenclature of the Somnath of the North.

The pyramid-shaped temple, which is situated 30 km from the state capital, has been constructed on the edge of a hilly slope.

It was declared a temple of national importance by the ASI in 1951.

The magnificent 'shivling', rich carvings and incomplete structure of the temple are the temple's attractions.

The circular dome is supported by four pillars.

Mr Mohammed said besides the half-complete dome, water also entered into the temple from the incomplete space between the pillars and the dome. Now, this open space has been covered with stones and bricks.

Before construction of the temple began, drawings for the temple were inscribed into stones to be used by craftsmen. The earthern ramp, used to raise it to dome-level, still stands and a similar attraction does not exist elsewhere.

The temple was built by legendary Parmar King Raja Bhoj during 1000-55 AD. Its incomplete structure has often raised questions.

It is believed that Raja Bhoj sent his army and funds to Patan ruler Bhimdev I Solanki when Mohammed Ghaznavi attacked Somnath in 1026 AD and could not complete the temple due to inadequate finances.

UNI