Bhojeshwar

Bhojeshwar refers to a historic temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhojpur village, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, India. The centerpiece of the site is a massive Shivalinga housed in the sanctum, which is regarded as one of the largest Shivalingas in the country. The temple was commissioned by the Paramara king Bhoj in the 11th century as part of his capital’s religious patronage, but construction was left incomplete and much of the surrounding mandapa and ancillary structures remain unfinished.

The remains at Bhojeshwar illustrate early medieval Nagara architectural elements characteristic of the Paramara era. The principal feature is the large monolithic lingam, set within a modest sanctum, with the broader temple complex largely in a state of ruin and partial completion. The site today emphasizes the central lingam and the surrounding open space, reflecting the unfinished nature of the original plan.

Bhojeshwar is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is maintained as both a heritage site and a place of pilgrimage. It attracts visitors and worshippers, particularly during Shiva-related festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, when devotees come to offer prayers at the prominent lingam. The name Bhojeshwar derives from King Bhoj (Bhoj) and the Sanskrit eshwar (lord), a conventional reference to Lord Shiva.