I read about Eran in two books, History of Indian and Eastern Architecture by James Fergusson and Penguin Guide to the Monuments of India vol 1 Buddhist, Jain, Hindu by George Michell. Both the books appraised the place for its marvelous and grand architectural temples and exquisite images. However, this Eran is nowhere seen on tourism circuit of Madhya Pradesh. Even I did not find any mention of this place in the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) monuments list. This was very intriguing that the place which was talked by most famous historians and archaeologist, then why it’s nowhere mentioned.

When you don’t get the information from concerned circles, it’s the best way to get this information from local people. I knew that this place Eran was somewhere near Sanchi only so when I was in Sanchi, I did some local enquiry about it. I got the results. I came to know that Eran is nearby Mandi Bamora railway station. I planned for a day trip to Eran immediately.

Eran is one of the oldest town in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. It was referred as Airikina in the inscriptions found here and nearby places. It might be the capital of of Airikina Pradesha or Airkina Vishaya, an administrative division of the Gupta empire.

Monuments – George Michell has given a map of Eran in his guide book. As per the map, there are two locations of historical importance; one where a pillar is standing and another where ruins of three temples are located. However when I visited Eran, I found that the pillar and the three temple ruins are in the same complex protected monument under ASI. It might be that when George visited the site, the ruins and the pillar were at different locations and later on ruins are brought at the location where pillar was so that it’s convenient for tourists to see all the monuments at one place, however this is just a guess work from me.

I met Mr. Rajendra Pratap Rajput, one of the caretaker of this complex at Eran. He told me that this complex is not receiving proper care from the concerned authorities. He was very enthusiastic about making this complex a better tourist place if concerned authorities give little more attention towards this.

Pillar (484 AD) – This is a sandstone pillar of more than 13m height. This contains an inscription which states that this pillar was erected during the reign of the ruler Buddhagupta in 484 AD. Above the capital is a block with seated lions on all corners. Above this block is a pair of back-to-back standing statues of Vishnu and Garuda. There is a wheel between the heads of these two statues.

Varah (5th century) – This Varah (boar) is similar as the famous Varah of Khajuraho. This is a 5m long sculpture which is completely covered with miniature figures of gods and goddesses. The goddess Bhu is shown near one of the tusk. There is an inscription of rule Buddhagupta on the neck of the animal.

Narasimha (5th century) – A damaged statue of Narasimha is put on a platform. This statute is in two pieces, foot and body separate. Several columns and doorway fragments of this sanctuary are still lying around the complex.

Vishnu Temple (9th century) – This is most complete temple in this complex with intact doorway and flat roof. In the sanctuary is put a 5th century large status of Vishnu which has halo behind its head.

Food and Accommodation – Eran is a small village, you will not find any place to stay and eat. Mandi Bamora is the nearest big town, however that also does not offer good staying options. Best would be that you stay at Sanchi and visit Eran as a day trip from there. Mandi Bamora railway station and nearby area gives some options for food.

How to reach – Mandi Bamora is a railway station on Bhopal-Bina railway line. Many trains stop at this station including Chattishgarh Express (8237), Vindhyachal Express (1272) and Amritsar Express (1057) among others. Eran is about 15 km far from here on eastern side. You can either ask some auto rickshaw or take lift from people going towards that village. There is no direct bus to Eran, buses going to Khurai will drop you at the crossing to Eran, from where it is about 5 kms.