Eran, situated on the banks of the Bina River in Madhya Pradesh, stands as an ancient town and significant archaeological site in India. Its name, derived from the word ‘Eraka,’ meaning tall grass, reflects the lush vegetation in the area. This Hindu site held immense importance from the 2nd-1st centuries B.C.E. until the Gupta period in the 4th-5th centuries C.E. Although the town's prominence waned after the Gupta era, its legacy endures.
The antiquities of Eran were first uncovered by Alexander Cunningham, followed by subsequent research by notable scholars, documenting records from the Chalcolithic period to the late medieval era.
Eran is known as the 'minting town' of India, producing a variety of coins such as punch-marked, die-struck, and cast coins. More than 3,000 coins have been discovered, dating from 300 BCE to 100 CE, with square coins being a notable specialty. These coins commonly feature motifs like the goddess Lakshmi, the Swastika, dharmachakra, tri-ratna, and the Ujjain symbol. Notably, one coin bearing the name of Mauryan King Dharmapala in Brahmi script, identified by Cunningham, is considered among the earliest inscribed coins in India.
Constructed by King Dhyana Vishnu around 485-500 C.E., this colossal structure is thought to depict the Varaha legend. Originally housed within a small temple, the boar statue now stands exposed to the elements. Adorned with 1185 figures depicting Hindu sages, saints, deities such as Saraswati and Vishnu, and Hindu zodiac signs, the statue showcases intricate Hindu decorative art.
Likely constructed in the 5th or 6th century C.E., the temple, although mostly in ruins, contains a remarkable 13-foot-high statue of Vishnu. Additionally, its door jambs feature depictions of Yamuna and Ganga, revered river goddesses of India.
Referred to locally as Bhim Gada, this structure serves as a representation of the cosmic pillar. Standing approximately 43 feet tall, it was erected in 484/485 C.E. Garuda, the divine vehicle of Vishnu, is portrayed alongside two human figures, one facing east and the other west. According to Cunningham, these figures were identified as Ram and Lakshman. Alternatively, another theory posits that the pillar symbolizes Bhima, a revered hero from the epic Mahabharata, known for his strength and his weapon, the gada.
The nearest airport to Eran is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
Darbhanga Junction is a major railway station and is well-connected to various cities across India.
Eran has a well-developed road network, and several national highways pass through the city. Eran is connected to various cities and towns in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states through a network of state-run and private buses.
Madhya Pradesh
This region is renowned for its extensive breakfast offerings, featuring kachoris, samosas, poha, and bedai. When exploring the local Madhya Pradesh cuisine, be sure to savor the kebabs, bhutte ki kees, dal bafla, jalebi, imarti, rogan josh, mawa-bati, and malpua.
Hindi is widely spoken in Eran but tourists can communicate with the locals in English as well.
The best time to visit Eran is from October to March.
