Chitrakoot –the heaven of the love-lorn Yaksha of Kalidasa
Chitrakoot
–the heaven of the love-lorn Yaksha of Kalidasa -lies to the north of
Madhya Pradesh in the northern spurs of the Vindhya ranges. It has
acquired religious sanctity. Legend tells us that the Pandavas king, Yudishthir, came here for penance and meditation. It was here that king Nala found his lost queen, Damayanti, and his kingdom was restored to him. Poet Tulaisdas came to Chitrakoot in quest of peace-his epic is replete with tender references to this beautiful place. Abdul Rahim (later one of the nine Gems of Emperor Akbar’s court) having incurred the wrath of Janhgir and having been disposed of his entire princely splendor, came to his place to spend his days of misfortune.
Chhota Udaipur
The town of Chhota Udaipur lies about 164 kilometers north of Vidisa. It was place of considerable importance during the medieval period. The principal monument of interest is the Udayeshwar temple.
One of the many Sanskrit inscriptions on this temple record that Paramara king, Udayadita of Malwa, founded a town built a temple of Shiva and excavated a tank and named all three after himself-Udayanpura, Udayeshwar and Udayamudra.
The
exterior of the temple is adorned with sculptures representing various
gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon, including Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Kartikeya.