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Archive for 2008

Bhaneshwar and Sandheswar Temples – Bikaner Rajasthan

Dec 30

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Bhaneshwar & Sandheswar Temples in Bikaner

The oldest existing structures in Bikaner are the 14th century Jain Temples built by two merchant brothers. Sandeshwar and Bhandeshwar. Neither had a son to carry on the family name, so each built a temple.  The temples are dedicated to 23rd Jain teerthankar, Parsvanathji.

Unlike other Jain shrines across the country, these temples are adorned with brightly coloured wall paintings. These temple maintains the piety of the traditional Jain place of of worship despite their radical appearance.

Architecture

The Bhandeshwar temple-rich in mirror work and the Sandeshwar temple-stylized enamel and gold leaf wall paintings.

The Bhandeshwar Temple is decorated with gold-leaf work, beautiful sculpted pillars, and floral designs. This temple is carved in red sand stone and white marble – its famous for carvings, wall paintings, structural beauty and artistically designed statues. The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

What’s Unique about these temples

According to myth, it is said, that 40, 000 kg of ghee had been used in laying the foundation of these temple.

It is carved in red sand stone and white marble, famous for its carvings, paintings, structural beauty and artistically designed statues.

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Parshavanath Temple, Nakoda – Barmer , Rajasthan

Dec 29

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Parshavanath Temple, Nakoda, Rajasthan

Parshavanath Temple, Nakoda, Rajasthan

About Parshavanath Temple – Location

Nakoda pilgrimage, built in the desert land of Rajasthan, bears a gloriously pious dignity.  Dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Shri Parshavanath, this temple was built by the Mandlik family in 1458-59 A.D.

It is situated on a beautiful hill as high as 1500ft on the road from Jodhpur to Barmer.

The Temple at Nakoda is one among the main Jain tirth centres in India.  Because of the importance given to Adhisthayak in India, tirth is always full of pilgrims.

Architecture of the Parshavanath Temple

This is the tallest of all temples having three storeyes. The outer walls of the sanctum have beautiful sculptures in gray sandstone showing Dikpals, Vidhyadevis, Yakshinis and Shalabhanjikas. These beautiful sculptures are frequently compared to the ones in Khajuraho and Konark temples.

There is an image of the Jain saint (tirthankara) Parshvanath in black stone and the ancient idol of Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan is very attractive and full of magical powers.  It is said that 2300 years ago two brothers namely Veersen & Nakorsen has built up this city and the temples.

The main temple consists of the teerth Adhiraj idol along with the idols of Shri Adinath Bhagwan & Shri Shantinath Bhagwan in other temples in its campus. Shri Nakoda Parshwanath Bhagwan in Padmasan mudra, 58 cm in height, is an amazing blueish colour statue. The life history of Shri Shantnath Bhagwan is displayed in form of idols and placed on the walls of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan temple.

Other Jain Temples in Nakoda

There are several small and big temples near the main temple. On the right side of the temple a magnificent idol of ‘Sanwalia’ (dusky) Parshwanath is installed. In this very chamber the idols of Mother Saraswati, Dada Jindutt Suri, Acharya Kirtiratna Suri et al are also installed. There is the magnificent temple of Lord Aadinath at the rear of the main temple. The outer arch of this temple is very artistic.

The miraculous deity of this place, Shree Bhairavji Maharaj was ceremoniously installed here in samvat 1511 by Acharya Kirtiratna Suri. This pilgrimage continuously prospered after the installation of Nakoda Bhairav. The miracles of this place found abode in the minds of the people. The devotees poured in from various places of the country and abroad.

Image Source: Wikipedia

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Shri Mahavirji Temple – Chandanpur, Rajasthan

Dec 27

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Location of Shri Mahavirji Temple

Shri Mahavirji Temple is a Jain temple devoted to the 24th Jain Tirthankar. This Digember Jain pilgrimage centre is 90 Kms by rail from Sawai Madhopur on the Delhi-Mumbai Broad gauge route. The main temple is in side in inclosure known as katla.

The town of Sri Mahavirji is one the most popular Jain pilgrimages in India for here is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The Shri Mahavirji temple on the banks of the river Gambhir was built in white marble in honor of Mahavira, the 24th Jain saint. The temple has a nice legend attached to it.

Legend of Shri Mahavirji Temple

The legend behind the construction of this temple is rather quaint; it is believed that a local milkman observed that his cow, after a long day’s grazing, would return in the evening with her udders empty. Obviously puzzled, the man followed the cow, and discovered that the creature would stand atop a nearby hillock and allow all her milk to flow away on it.

Shri Mahavir Ji Temple, Chandanpur, Rajasthan - A Famous Jain Pilgrimage

Shri Mahavir Ji Temple, Chandanpur, Rajasthan - A Famous Jain Pilgrimage

Architecture of Temple

Shri Mahavirji Temple is an amalgamation of ancient and modern Jain architecture – quite contemporary in design, unlike the ancient Jain temples which were highly ornamented and richly carved.

It is a complex of smaller temples with the main temple having idols of Jain saints, placed within delicately carved pillared niches.

The temple is a vast complex constructed with white sandstone, and has cupolas of red sandstone along with the chhatris & spires visible from all around.

A huge statue of Shantinath, one of the Jain ford makers, stands as high as 32 feet and there is a tower where the footsteps of Mahavira have been consecrated. The main Chattries are visiable from a distance and are built of red sandstone. The walls of the temple are illustrated with carvings of religious scenes.

A man stambh (Tower) Made of marble is installed in front of the main temple. Devotees pay specail homage at this point their Chattri is also erected bearing the footprints of Shri Mahavirji.

An annual fair is also held here which attracts Minas, Gujars Jains, and people of other communities in large numbers. The fair last for the five days and ends with a colorful Rath yatra.

It is a spendid sight to view the temple at night when lights illuminate the entire complex.

Best Time to Visit

The period between Chaitra (March-April) and Vaishakh (April-May) is when the Sri Mahavirji annual fair is held. It’s an occasion for great rejoicing, and definitely the best time to visit the shrine.

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Shrinath Ji Temple – Nathdwara, Rajasthan

Dec 26

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ShrinathJi (Lord Krishna) Temple, Nathdwara, India

ShrinathJi (Lord Krishna) Temple, Nathdwara, India

ShrinathJi Temple Location

The temple of Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, belonging to the Vaishnav religion is located at Nathdwara, 48 kms. north of Udaipur. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the world pass the lofty mountains and serene lakes of Udaipur to visit this templ.

This 17th century temple house the original statue of Shrinathji or Lord Krishna. According to history, the statue was brought to Mewar kingdom for the sake of safety in the period of Aurangazeb the Moghul monarch.

About ShrinathJi Temple

In the temple, enshrined is a unique image of Lord Krishna, which has been sculptured from a single piece of black marble.

One of the arms of the life size image is raised in a manner so as to give an impression of holding the Govardhan mountain. The other arm rests at the waist which seems not only a dance posture but also as if God is blessing the devotees.

In Shrinathji temple, worship (puja) is replaced by servitude (seva). The temple priests change the vestments and ornaments of Shrinathji daily with love and reverence. It is believed that he appears to his devotees in many forms: the divine child inspiring parental love, the flute playing good in the forests of Vrindavan luring maidens with the melody of his flute.

Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji can be sought 8 times in the day. individually known as Ashtaya, the 8 darshans are Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya Aarti and Shayan. In each of them the leelas (divine manifestations) of the Lord are described and harmonized with His daily routine.

Archtitecture of the Temple

The temple has three entrances. The first is through the red door at Chaupati from where the Govardhan worship place can be reached. Surajpol is an entrance exclusively for women and leads to Kamal Chowk through Singhpol. Various religious festivals are celebrated at the temple like Janmashtmi, Phooldol and Diwali.

The annakootritual is famous worldwide where cooked rice is hurled at the devotees after the ceremony and is ‘looted’ by them.

Places worth seeing in the temple include the Moti Mahal, Sudarshan Chakraraj, Dhwajaji, Kamal Chowk, Ratan Chowk, Mani Kotha and the temples of Shri Navnit Priyaji.

The Shri Krishna storehouse has silver and golden mills. Apart from that, the Shakghar milkboth and the outlets having roses, betel leaf, sweets and clothes as well as the gardens are worth a visit.

Image Source: Wikipedia

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EklingJi Temple – Udaipur, Rajasthan

Dec 24

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EklingJi Temple, Udaipur, India

EklingJi Temple, Udaipur, India

About  Eklingji Temple – Location

The Eklingji temple,  is devoted to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers. It is situated approximately 24 km to the north of Udaipur.

Eklingji Shiva temple Udaipur is a huge complex consisting of 108 temples. Enclosing the temple are high walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water. Filling the temple with fragrance all the time are the lighted incense materials.

History – Eklingji temple

One of the legends relating to Eklingji is that after killing Vrakshasur, indra had meditated and prayed toeklingji in repentance and to be free of the curse.

According to another legend, Bapparawa had seen the Shivlinga in his dream when he was in trouble and when the problem was solved, he constructed the tample and later build Mewar. The ruler of Mewar regards Eklangji as the real kingdom.

Architecture  of  Eklingji Temple

Eklingji temple houses a 50 feet high multi-faced black stone statue of Lord Shiva. There are four faces of the statue, depicting Lord Shiva in his four forms. In the east is Surya (sun), in the west is Brahma, in the north is Vishnu and in the south is Rudra. In the center of these images is the Shivlinga, encircled by a silver snake. The temple houses the whole family of Lord Shiva, including Parvatiji (wife of Shiva) and Ganeshji (son of Shiva).

Eklingji temple  also contains the statues of Yamuna and Saraswati. The temple has silver doors depicting Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Located nearby Eklingji Shiva temple, are the temples of Amba Mata, Ganeshji and Kalika. Also shown in the brackets are nymphs in erotic dance postures and a life size image of Bapparawal.

It is a beautiful temple complex, with fine art work and delicate sculptures and of course a soothing spiritual atmosphere.

There are two tanks situated on the Northern side of the temple – Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water from these tanks is utilized for temple services. The prayer service is performed in a very elaborate and authentic manner, using the Vedic and Tantric styles – beginning sharp at 4 in the morning.

Shivratri is an important religious event here, on this day the image of the deity is decked with jewellery and large gatherings of devout hindus come here to offer prayers.

Image Source: Wikipedia

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Jaipur Jewellery Show 2008, Jaipur, India

Dec 23

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Jaipur Jewellery Show 2008, Jaipur

Jaipur Jewellery Show 2008, Jaipur

The City of Jaipur or commonly referred to as the Pink City, has been hosting the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) since 2003.

Significance of JJS

The show was created with the intent of giving an impetus to the Gems and Jewellery trade; placing Jaipur on the World Jewellery Map of gems, craftsmanship and jewellery manufacturing.

Over the years, the show has increased its scale of hosting exhibitors from across the globe. Beginning with 67 stall in 2003, the show saw 354 exhibitors in 2007 and this year hold 357 booths at the Rajmahal Palace.

What also stands out about the JJS that it has become a significant event in the calender of the gems and jewellery show the world over. Aptly christened ‘The December Show’.

JJS also set new Standards in logistics and infrastructure. There were innumerable improvement in infrastructure and facilities provided to the jewellers.

The Show provides the world a chance to get a glimpse of jewellery of Jaipur and experience the magic called Jaipur. To the local players it gives an opportunity to network and keep abreast of exciting and innovative trends and products.

Attractions at JJS

JJS has emerged as the second largest jewellery show in India and has always been in the forefront as a showcase of new trends in jewellery. By instituting the awards they  appreciated their exemplary work at national and international levels.

Exhibitors from the world of Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Antique Jewelery, Pearls, Gemstones – Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, Emerald, Crystal, Equipment & Accessories of jewelery making have been  participated

What was unique this time around?

A unique feature introduced for the first time at the  show was jewellery bidding, with offerings of a wide spectrum of gems and jewellery, at attractive prices. There are 25 exhibition counters being offered at JJS 2008 on first-come-first-basis (product-wise). These counters  allotted to the following categories: tanzanite, stone studded jewellery, kundan meena products, loose stones and silver jewellery.

The show was also attended by eminent personalities from Jaipur and other parts of India, including the Members of the Royal Family of Jaipur. The fashion shows, gala dinners, big business and intensive networking activities have made JAS one of the most important jewellery shows in the country. With exciting competition judged by industry experts,

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Chamunda Devi Temple – Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur Rajasthan

Dec 22

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Chamunda Devi Temple, Jodhpur, India

Chamunda Devi Temple, Jodhpur, India

Location

The temple is situated in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort located on a hill top in Jodhpur, 330 km from Jaipur.

The fort, one of the largest in India, is situated 400 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing walls. It comprises several palaces known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.

About Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Mata, a form of goddess Durga, was the favourite deity of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. He brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore near here in 1460 and installed it in the Mehrangarh Fort.

The goddess remains the Isht Devi (patron deity) of the erstwhile royal family. The Chamunda temple draws tens of thousands of devotees, especially during the Navaratri period.

People in Jodhpur believe that Goddess Chamunda is their guarding deity. Pilgrims coming here tie a piece of cloth or thread to a trident in the temple in the hope that the goddess will answer their prayers. When their wishes are fulfilled, devotees pay a thanksgiving visit.

The temple is maintained by the Maharaja Ummaid Singh Religious Trust.

During Dussehra celebrations, Mehrangarh Fort is thronged by devotees to get a glimpse of Chamunda Devi. If you are a devotee of Chamunda Devi, do visit this temple, when in Jodhpur.

Human Stampede Occurred in Chamunda Devi Temple

More recently the temple has been in news because on September 30, 2008, a stampede took place at Chamunda Devi temple. There were more than 25, 000 worshippers who gathered at the temple to celebrate the onset of Navaratri, the greatest festival among the Hindus in India. This incident has caused more than 113 deaths and injuries to over 300 people.

The pathway leading to the temple is not more than five-six feet wide, one reason why so many people died stampede.

Image Source: Wikipedia

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Khatu Shyam Ji Temple – Sikar, Rajasthan

Dec 21

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Location

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is situated in district of Sikar in state of Rajasthan, at a distance of 17 km from Reengus.

Khatu Shyamji, Sikar, Rajasthan, India

Khatu Shyamji, Sikar, Rajasthan, India

History – Why it is called Khatu Shyam Ji Temple ?

The legend of this immensely popular Krishna temple can be traced back to the medieval Mahabharat where Barbareek, the son of great Pandav brother Bhim and Nag Kanya (snake princess) displayed his great warrior skills that pleased Lord Shiva who endowed his blessings in the form of Teen Ban (three arrows)

In order to watch the famous war of Mahabharat, he sat towards the battle field and in between his tryst with Lord Krishna in disguise becasme a vital part of the history and thus the incarnation of KHATU SHAMJI.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is architecturally rich. Lime mortar, marble and tiles have been used in constructing the structure. The shutters of the sanctum are beautifully covered with silver sheet.

Outside is the prayer hall, named Jagmohan and its walls are elaborately painted, depicting mythological scenes. The entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble; their brackets are also of marble and feature ornamental floral designs.

There is an open space in front of the entrance gate of the temple. The Shyam Bagicha is a garden near the temple from where flowers are picked to be offered to the deity. The Samadhi of Aloo Singh, a great devotee, is located within the garden.

The Gopinath temple lies to the south-east of the main temple. The Gaurishankar temple also lies nearby. There is an interesting tale associated with the Gaurishankar temple.

There is a steady stream of devotees the year round, but lakh of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage, a large number of people come for the Jadula ceremony (the first time all hair is shaved off the head) of their children.

Images Source: Wikipedia

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Rajasthan State Assembly Elections 2008 – Congress Cabinet Ministers Announced, Takes Oath

Dec 19

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Indian National Congress Sworn in Rajasthan State Assembly 2008-12

Indian National Congress Sworn in Rajasthan State Assembly 2008-12

Ashok Gehlot, who spearheaded the Congress campaign and brought it back to power in assembly elections in Rajasthan, was sworn in as Chief Minister for a second term in office. Congress, which had won 96 seats in the 200-member assembly, received the support of 8 independents to get majority.

Gehlot, who was the Chief Minister between 1998 and 2003, was sworn in at a public ceremony in front of a large number of Congressmen by Governor S K Singh. He was the only one to take oath on 13 December.

His election as Congress Legislative Party leader was preceded by intense jockeying for power by rival faction chiefs, including on caste line that some one from the Jat community should be given the top political job.

C P Joshi, the party’s state unit President who lost by one vote in Nathdwara constituency, was also in the race apart from senior leaders like Union Minister Sis Ram Ola and Parasram Maderna, both Jats.

Who Have been Inducted as Cabinet Ministers in Rajasthan?

Eleven cabinet and two state ministers have been inducted into the newly formed Ashok Gehlot led Congress government in Rajasthan today

The cabinet ministers Immuddin “Durumyim”, Bharat Singh, Bina Kak, Brij Kishore Sharma, Harjiram Burdak, Hema Ram Choudhary, Mahendrajit Singh Malviya, Mahipal Maderna, Master Bhanwar Lal, Prasadi Lal Meena (independent) and Shanti Dhariwal, took oath in Hindi language.

R K Saini and Golma Devi were sworn in as state ministers.

Ashok Gehlot was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor S K Singh. 11 other Cabinet Ministers and two State Ministers also took oath. Golma Devi, wife of BJP rebel Kirori La Meena, was a surprise induction into the Gehlot ministry. Golma Devi is an illiterate and could not not even read the oath papers. She had to take the help of a MLA to take oath.

It’s an irony that Congress had to induct such an illiterate woman as a Minister, who can’t even read her own name and use thumb impression to mark her signature. Golma Devi told that her husband Kirori Lal Meena will help her managing the ministry.

The delay in the formation of cabinet was mainly because of issues related to Kirorilal Meena’s inclusion. But after a meeting between Kirorilal and Gehlot the former declined the offer to become a minister, but agreed to allow his wife Golma Devi to be a minister.

Its our personal belief that ministers can change the way people live in a state and these ministers of Rajasthan state will have a tough task ahead as lot of issues have come up in recent past, the major one been the public is more awake than anytime before!!

Do you know which all posts our Chief Minister Mr Gehlot has held in past? Check out here

Image Source: Wikipedia

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French Govt Sponsers Opening IIT Rajasthan – Will It Open in Jaipur or Kota?

Dec 18

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IIT Rajasthan - Kota, Jaipur

IIT Rajasthan - Kota, Jaipur

IIT Rajasthan is one among the new set of IITs announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. The location of the IIT in Rajasthan will be announced by the Govt. of India.

A few days ago, the French government expressed interest in collaborating with the government of India in setting up IIT-Rajasthan.  The Union HRD ministry and its French counterpart are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding soon on IIT-R. The French are expected to provide monetary support and also provide experts in the initial stages.

Why Jaipur is better than Kota ?

The main hurdle to setting up the institute had been the fight over the location. The Vasundhara Raje government had been keen on setting up the IIT at Kota, a coaching hub for future IITians. and had even acquired land there.

Kota, which is teeming with elite coaching schools, sends a record number of successful students to various IITs in the country.
Some estimates say that a third of the 5,000 students who manage to clear the entrance tests for the premier institute are groomed in Kota, which the state government describes as a modern-day Nalanda, the famed Buddhist centre of learning that existed during the Buddha’s times.

But Kota was not the choice of experts who had suggested Jaipur from the very beginning, largely because of its superior connectivity compared to other cities in the state.

However, in the meantime, IIT Kanpur has been designated as the mentor IIT for looking after the incubation activities of the new IIT in Rajasthan. The academic session in IIT Rajasthan have been started from August 2008.

All the new IITs, however, are coming up near or in the state capitals: IIT-Bihar in Patna, the Andhra one in Hyderabad, the Punjab insititute at Chandigarh, the Orissa IIT at Bhubaneswar, and the Gujarat one at Gandhinagar. So, it will be rather odd if it is an aberration in the case of Rajasthan.

Moreover, those coming to teach at IIT-R will need to factor in things like good schools for their children, and in that respect Jaipur has an edge over other cities.

NOTE: The logo used with the blog is our work and is not at all associated with IIT brand in any manner what so ever.

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