Narsimha Shila is a massive slab of rock that resembles the face of the lion-man avatar of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The rock is located near the Udaigiri Caves, which are a group of 20 rock-cut caves that date back to the early years of the 5th century CE. The rock is considered sacred by the locals, who believe that it is a manifestation of the divine power of Vishnu. Visit during One Day Bhopal To Sanchi-Udaigiri Caves Trip By cab
The rock is also a popular tourist attraction, as it offers a spectacular view of the Udaigiri Caves and the Betwa River. Best 10 Places To Visit in Bhopal
Overview of Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila is a natural rock formation that measures about 13 feet high and 11 feet wide. The rock has a large relief sculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as Narsimha, the half-man half-lion form. The sculpture depicts Narsimha holding the demon king Hiranyakashipu in his lap and tearing his chest with his claws. The sculpture is believed to be carved in the 6th century CE, during the reign of the Gupta rulers, who were patrons of art and culture. The sculpture is considered as one of the masterpieces of Indian art, and an icon of Hindu mythology. The rock also has inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit, which provide information about the history and chronology of the Gupta period.
Location of Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila is situated on the NH-86, near the town of Udaigiri, in the district of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India. The rock is about 4 km from the Sanchi Stupa, and about 13 km from the Vidisha Railway Station. The rock is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing/Entry Fees Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila is open to the public from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. The rock is closed on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for the rock is Rs. 10 for Indian visitors and Rs. 250 for foreign visitors. There is no entry fee for children below 12 years, students, and senior citizens. There is an additional fee of Rs. 25 for photography and Rs. 50 for videography. The rock also offers guided tours and audio guides for a nominal charge.
How to Reach Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of Bhopal and other nearby cities. Some of the options are:
- By Bus: There are several buses that ply to Narsimha Shila from various bus stops in Bhopal and other cities, such as Vidisha, Raisen, and Sagar. The nearest bus stop to the rock is the Udaigiri Bus Stop, which is about 500 meters away.
- By Taxi: Taxis are another convenient way to reach Narsimha Shila from anywhere in Bhopal and other cities. The fare depends on the distance and the traffic conditions, but it usually ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. One can also book a taxi online or through a mobile app, such as Ola, Uber, or Meru.
- By Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are the most common and affordable mode of transport in Bhopal and other cities. They can be hailed from any street corner or stand, and they charge according to the meter or by bargaining. The average fare to Narsimha Shila from Bhopal is around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500.
Things to Do Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila is a place where one can experience the history and culture of ancient India and its religious and artistic diversity. There are many things to do and see in and around the rock, such as:
- Explore the rock and admire its architecture, design, and decor. See the colossal sculpture of Narsimha, and learn about its history and significance. Marvel at the natural beauty and the artistic skill of the sculptor. See the inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit, and learn about the Gupta period and its impact on Indian art and culture.
- Enjoy the view and the nature. Take a walk around the rock, which offers a panoramic view of the Udaigiri Caves and the Betwa River. Watch the sunrise and sunset from the rock, which is a popular spot for photography and meditation. Relax in the lawns and gaze at the fountains and ponds. Watch the birds and animals that inhabit the area, such as peacocks, monkeys, and deer.
- Visit the Udaigiri Caves and other nearby attractions. The Udaigiri Caves are a group of 20 rock-cut caves that date back to the early years of the 5th century CE. They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India, as well as some Jain sculptures. The most famous and impressive cave is Cave 5, which has a colossal relief sculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as the boar Varaha, rescuing the earth goddess Bhudevi from the demon Hiranyaksha. The caves also have inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit, which provide information about the history and chronology of the Gupta period. Other nearby attractions include the Sanchi Stupa complex, the Udayagiri Fort, the Bhojpur Temple, and the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.
Significance of Narsimha Shila
Narsimha Shila is not only a tourist attraction, but also a symbol of the heritage and identity of India. The rock represents the artistic and cultural achievements of the Gupta period, which is considered as the golden age of Indian history. The rock also reflects the religious diversity and harmony of India, which has been influenced by various regions and religions over the centuries. The rock is a source of pride and inspiration for the people of India, who cherish and preserve its beauty and value.
FAQ’s
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Narsimha Shila:
Q: When was Narsimha Shila carved?
A: Narsimha Shila was carved in the 6th century CE, during the reign of the Gupta rulers, especially Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta I.
Q: Who were the Gupta rulers?
A: The Gupta rulers were a dynasty of kings who ruled over most of northern and central India from the 4th to the 6th century CE. They are known for their political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements. They patronized art, literature, science, and religion, and are credited with the revival of Hinduism and the development of classical Sanskrit.
Q: What is the story of Narsimha and Hiranyakashipu?
A: Narsimha and Hiranyakashipu are characters from Hindu mythology, who are featured in the Puranas and the Bhagavata Purana. Hiranyakashipu was a demon king who had a boon from Brahma that he could not be killed by any human, animal, or god, nor by any weapon, nor during day or night, nor inside or outside any place. He became arrogant and oppressive, and tried to kill his son Prahlada, who was a devotee of Vishnu. Vishnu then appeared as Narsimha, a half-man half-lion form, and killed Hiranyakashipu by tearing his chest with his claws. He did this at dusk, on the threshold of a pillar, using his nails as weapons, thus circumventing the boon.
Q: What are the main attractions of Narsimha Shila?
A: The main attractions of Narsimha Shila are the colossal sculpture of Narsimha, and the inscriptions in Brahmi and Sanskrit. The sculpture is considered as one of the masterpieces of Indian art, and an icon of Hindu mythology. The inscriptions provide information about the history and chronology of the Gupta period.
Q: What is the timing and entry fee of Narsimha Shila?
A: Narsimha Shila is open to the public from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. The rock is closed on Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for the rock is Rs. 10 for Indian visitors and Rs. 250 for foreign visitors. There is no entry fee for children below 12 years, students, and senior citizens. There is an additional fee of Rs. 25 for photography and Rs. 50 for videography.
Conclusion
Narsimha Shila is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Udaigiri and its surroundings. It is a place where one can witness the history and culture of ancient India and its religious and artistic diversity. It is a place where one can learn about the artistic and cultural achievements of the Gupta period and its impact on Indian art and culture. It is a place where one can enjoy the view and the nature of the hilltop and the river. It is a place where one can
